MAUCHLINE is preparing to burst back into life as the return of the annual Holy Fair draws nearer.
Billed as the town's biggest day of the year, the historic event draws in thousands of visitors every year, and this year is set to be no different.
Believed to date back as far as the 1700s, with Robert Burns even understood to have attended a version of the event, the 2026 celebration promises to be bigger than ever, with over 100 market stalls, live music across five stages, a vintage vehicle display, funfair attractions, and a packed programme for families.
Returning on Saturday, May 30, the day will begin with the lone piper’s call from the church tower, followed by the much-loved parade, themed this year around 'Keeping Burns Alive'.
Music will again take centre stage, with acts including Voyage – The ABBA Tribute, The Divas Soul Band, The Peas, and Scottish performers Ken O’Hara and Burness. Dancers from Sophie Oliver School of Highland Dancing, DCB Dance Co., and Borland Ceilidh Band will keep the spirit of the fair alive all afternoon.
Newer stages such as 'Burn’s Howf' and the Jean Armour Stage return this year, alongside favourites like the Nanse Tinnock Stage hosted by the Burns Bachelors Performers, who will present a lively mix of poetry, storytelling, and traditional music.
Local school pupils will also feature heavily on the bill, with performances from Mauchline Primary, the Dunaskin and Doon Brass Band, and Coast Harmony.
Oscar, a Primary 7 pupil from Mauchline Primary, summed up the excitement, saying: “My favourite thing about the Holy Fair is getting to go out with my pals, do loads of stuff and have my family around. I’m most looking forward to seeing the community coming together, and all the things that make Mauchline, Mauchline.”
The Burns House Museum will also open its doors with special exhibits to mark the occasion.
A month of planning goes into making the event the success that it is, thanks to the Holy Fair committee and a group of dedicated volunteers.
Chairman Hugh McLanachan said the team was determined to keep growing the event.
He said: ‘‘The feedback from 2025 was so positive. We are working hard to continue to grow the event and wish to expand - including more stalls, more music areas, more living historians, grow our popular Art Competitions, and continue to develop the event's wonderful reputation.
"We are determined to put the town on the map and establish Mauchline Holy Fair as an internationally significant event that it has all the potential to become.
"It’s fantastic to see the community get behind the event every year and to see everything come together on the day. It makes all the hard work throughout the year worthwhile.’’
Local councillor William Lennox added: “I feel enormously privileged to have such an incredible and unique event in my hometown.
"I’m extremely grateful to the dedicated group of volunteers who organise such a unique spectacle year on year, not only for the benefit of locals, but for people from across East Ayrshire and beyond. Mauchline Holy Fair is one of the largest public events in East Ayrshire and I see first-hand the positive impact the event week has on our local economy, and the excitement and sense of well-being that it brings to the town.
"The benefits that heritage events like this have for local pride, tourism and community spirit are immeasurable. I give my full and wholehearted support to the Holy Fair team in their commendable aspirations to develop and grow this historic community event.”
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