THE first ever Cumnock Christmas Festival was such a success that organisers are already hopeful of a return in 2017.

Plunging temperatures wasn't enough to put off the population of the town as The Square in Cumnock was awash with festive cheer last Friday, November 25, as local residents, young and old, turned out to support the event.

Local business around Cumnock also backed the event, with most keeping shops open later as revellers wandered between shops and stalls.

Now the organisers are hopeful of staging an even bigger and better festival next year.

Bobby Grierson from the Cumnock Action Plan, just one of the many groups who banded together to make the event possible, said: "It was an absolutely brilliant turn out, we are really delighted.

"I couldn't believe it. We had a really good lead up to the event, but it was great to see it go down so well.

"The council gave us a lot of support but there was a big effort from local businesses to help us.

"It's the biggest thing to happen at The Square in years.

"I think it was really good for the businesses and the local economy as well."

He added: "We are meeting next month to discuss next year. We can't say anything just yet until we have met and discussed what went well and what we can maybe do differently but we're hopeful that we can do it all again next year."

The Christmas market had scores of stalls all selling local produce. The pupils from Greenmill Primary kick started the day as the treated the audience to a sing along. Superb entertainment was also provided by Barshare Primary, KG Star Dance, Cumnock Academy, Kira Alexander and CAMPS. Santa was on hand to meet keen youngsters as he gave away over 500 presents on the day.

See our fantastic four page picture special from the Cumnock Christmas Festival, starting on page 23.