AN EXCITING new festival is set to arrive in Ayr next summer.

The three-day event, named Fresh Ayr, will showcase an array of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, fantastic food and drinks and top of the range camping facilities.

Ticket holders will be able to experience entertainment from some of the UK’s top musical acts, alongside other emerging talents.

More 25 world-class artists will perform at Rozelle Park from August 11-13, 2023.

Blair Parham, director of Fresh Ayr, said: “I am so excited to bring the first ever weekend folk festival to the heart of our town.

"It’s something that I have aspired to do for a long time. 

"I am absolutely thrilled that we have managed to get this off the ground and we are able to offer the people of Ayrshire and further afield a fantastic three-day event with something for everyone to enjoy.

"The calibre of artists we have playing is second to none, the food and drink offering from local suppliers will be amazing, the children’s activities will be captivating, and the location is just beautiful.

"I can’t wait to welcome you all to Ayr’s Rozelle Park next summer.”

Seven-piece Mànran, internationally recognised as one of the most iconic and respected Scottish bands on the road today, will close the event in spectacular style on the Saturday night.

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Gary Innes, from Mànran, said: “We’re delighted to be playing the brand new and innovative Fresh Ayr!

"It will be great fun and it’s amazing that Ayr is getting its first ever weekend folk festival.

"There are so many brilliant acts on the bill, and we’re honoured to have been asked to close the Saturday night. It’ll be a night to remember!” 

Local talent will also be on show, with Ayr’s Alistair McCulloch and his trio taking to the Fresh Ayr stage on the opening day.

The fiddler will perform alongside Aaron Jones (Old Blind Dogs) on bouzouki, guitar and vocals and Mark Duff (formerly of Capercaillie) on whistles.

Fiddle player Lauren Collier, who is originally from Irvine, will also perform alongside her band. T

hey will showcase material from Lauren’s anticipated new album, set for release in 2023. 

The 1000-capacity event will also offer a host of family entertainment across the weekend, with art and craft stalls as well as the opportunity to learn circus skills, including juggling, diablo and stilt walking.

For keen learners there will be music workshops running from 9am – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

All workshops are included in the price of the attendees’ ticket.

For those looking to camp, there will be no additional cost and there will be plenty of pitches to choose from in Rozelle Park.

Organisers will also put on event shuttle buses that will run hourly from Ayr town centre to the park, and back again, to ensure everyone’s journey to and from the event is as safe and stress-free as possible.

A limited number of early bird tickets are available to buy now.

Aged 12 years and under will be able to attend the festival for free and there are discounted tickets available for 13–17-year-olds.

Day tickets are available. 

More information and tickets are available at www.freshayrfolkfest.com

Fresh Ayr Folk Festival is supported by South Ayrshire Council.