Kilmarnock Fair Festival to return in June
The event is being touted as a way to gather public views on regeneration as well as enjoy a day out
Kilmarnock Fair Festival will return to Howard Park this June, thanks to a £60,000 investment secured through the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods fund.
East Ayrshire Council is expected to agree to enter a negotiated contract with Centrestage to deliver the event on Saturday, June 28.
The festival, which aims to strengthen community ties and support regeneration, is being organised on behalf of the Kilmarnock Neighbourhood Board—also known as We Make Kilmarnock.
The decision on the contract will be considered at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, with the council using powers to directly negotiate the contract due to time constraints caused by changes in government funding criteria earlier this year.
Last year’s inaugural event drew large crowds with a family-friendly daytime programme in the park and an evening celebration in the town centre, featuring talent showcases and headline music acts.
This year’s festival is expected to follow a similar format, with local entertainment, food stalls, live music, and a funfair running from 1pm to 9pm.
The funding forms part of the second tranche of “capacity” support from the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, which replaced the former Long-Term Plan for Towns initiative following the change in UK Government. Kilmarnock is one of seven Scottish towns selected to receive a £20 million, ten-year endowment to support community-led regeneration.
Officials say the festival is not only a community celebration, but also a vital tool for gathering local views to shape future regeneration plans.
Police Scotland and other local partners are also engaged in planning to ensure the event is safe and welcoming for all attendees.
While the contract with Centrestage is specific to this year’s event, future editions of the Fair Festival may also be supported through the Plan for Neighbourhoods, subject to the Neighbourhood Board’s recommendations and council agreement.
The cabinet will consider the proposal on Wednesday, May 7.
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