The first Marymass Global Village Market has arrived in Irvine ahead of the official opening ceremony.

The market in Bridgegate will open at 10am and run for 11 hours each day from today [Thursday, August 15] until Sunday, August 18.

The operators of the Marymass market said: "We will be bringing a taste of the continental to the festival with traders from across the world including Italian, Spanish, German, Ecuadorean, Greek and French showcasing fantastic street food, arts and crafts,  Swarovski Crystal, Silver jewellry confectionary, fresh foods olives, baklava, chillies, Breads, Tarts, Viennoiserie all baked fresh on site.

"The location for the market is Bridgegate and we must thank the Rivergate Shopping Centre and North Ayrshire Council for their help and support."

"Market Place Europe is honoured to have been invited to attend the fantastic Marymass Festival in Irvine for the first time this August.

Kaleidoscope Gifts and M&Co will also remain open until 8pm on Thursday, August 15, Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17.

Kaleidoscope will also open on Sunday, August 18 from 11am – 4pm. M&Co Sunday trading hours will remain the same.

Free family fun activities have been lined up for this year's Marymass opening ceremony 

The official opening ceremony of the 12 day community festival takes place tonight with free events taking place outside the Townhouse and Portal.

From 7.30pm, kids can enjoy free face painting and grab some funky balloon art from the balloon modelling team whilst the adults can enjoy live music and entertainment on stage.

Then, from 9.30pm, Marymass 2019 is officially opened.

Provost Ian Clarkson will say a few words before the sashing of the new Queen and Mary’s, with the announcement of Captain of IrvineCarters’ Society at around 9.45pm.