MAUCHLINE Holy Fair group have made an urgent plea to the public to help ensure the event's future.

The 2019 Holy Fair may be in danger of not going ahead unless a committee is formed in the coming weeks.

Local residents, businesses and other interested parties – including fair goers who do not live in the area – are being urged to attend the next scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 16 at 7pm in the Masonic Hall, 63 Loudoun Street, Mauchline to ensure the Holy Fair doesn't fall by the wayside.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We all know the Holy Fair is an excellent event, which has taken place in Mauchline for a number of years. Historically, it was linked to Robert Burns who patronised the very early Mauchline Holy Fairs, and is now the biggest event in East Ayrshire.

"Whether you enjoy the history, the stalls, the music or just the atmosphere on the day, this does not happen by itself.

"Mauchline Holy Fair Group have organised the event for the past five years, and have continually struggled to sustain a committee. Unfortunately this historical event will not go ahead unless a committee is formed urgently.

"It doesn’t matter where you live, as long as you are keen for this event to continue in Mauchline.

"Without your help the Holy Fair will not go ahead in 2019."

The Holy Fair group took over organising the event from Mauchline Burns Club in 2015 with the 2019 fair due to take place on Saturday, May 25.

If you are interested in getting involved but unable to attend the meeting, you can contact Mauchline Community Council secretary William Lennox at mauchlincc@gmail.com or the Holy Fair group chairman Martin Leske at martinleske@sky.com