Stewarton Bonnet Guild Festival kicks off

Jun 12 2009 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

STEWARTON’S annual Bonnet Guild Festival week kicks off this Saturday, June 13, and is packed full of fun things to do.

There is something for everyone at the festival – which runs until Sunday, June 21 – from the ceilidh in The Centre, Standalane on Saturday and five-a-side football tournaments on Sunday and Monday, to an under-12s disco on Tuesday, car and on-foot treasure hunts and the much anticipated fancy dress parade on Friday night, June 19.

Gala day is on Saturday, June 20. Proceedings begin at midday in Avenue Square, with music and dance demonstrations.

The presentation of colours is at 1pm followed by presentation of prizes. The Crowning of Queen Elect, Rachael Halliday will be 1.35pm.

The procession and float parade will then make its way to Strandhead Park at 1.50pm. The theme for the floats and parade this year is ‘Homecoming Scotland – a celebration of all things Scottish’.

Fun and games in Strandhead Park from 2pm including sports races, classic car show, birds of prey display, children’s treat and various fun stalls.

Sunday, June 21, brings the week’s festivities to a close, with the Annual Bonnet Guild Divine Service at St Columba’s Parish Church from 6.30pm.

Peter Scott, Bonnet Guild president, said: “Bonnet Guild conveners have worked wholeheartedly to present a worthy festival week for 2009 and I urge you all to take advantage of these activities and most importantly take a break from the rigors of life and enjoy yourselves with some family participation.

“This was the initial object of the guild in 1933 and it continues so to be. This is your festival, please embrace and enjoy it.”

An information point has been set up in the vacant Lomonds Bakers on Main Street and will be open until Tuesday, June 16, from 10am to 4pm each day where festival goers can buy programmes and find out more information about the various activities.