Historic town of Ayr celebrates 800th birthday as Royal Burgh

At the stroke of midnight on Saturday 21 May, the historic town of Ayr in Scotland will be officially 800 years old, having received its Royal Burgh charter from the Scottish king William the Lion in the year 1305.

A countdown, as at Hogmanay, with a historical re-enactment ceremony, has been arranged at Ayr Town Hall to mark the occasion, the climax of an evening of entertainment.

Ayrshire-based event organisers Cultural Connections have arranged a celebration called Ceilidh 800 to mark the occasion. Tickets are expected to sell briskly.

This Saturday evening event at Ayr Town Hall involves something for everyone and is suitable for families. Artists booked are Ayr based ceilidh dance band Coila; four piece celtic group Back of the Moon, with award winning fiddler Gillian Frame from Arran; singer Andrew Merry from Ayr, runner-up in the 2004 British Junior Eurovision Song Contest; Ayr Pipe Band; Ayr Music festival winners Robyn and Sean Gray from Coylton; Mauchline-based entertainer Jim McPheator; and the Carrick 800 historical re-enactment group from Girvan.

"It really is Ayr’s big party night," said Dave Dewar of Cultural Connections. "It’s not every day that the town is 800 years old!"

Both Ayr 800, the organisers of a year-long calendar of events to celebrate Ayr’s 800th birthday and the Burns An’ A’ That festival are supporting the event, and will be represented on the evening.

Also in attendance will be representatives from Visit Scotland, South Ayrshire Council, journalists from home and abroad and some celebrities who have links with Ayr.

"It's shaping up to be a great night," said Dave. "Everyone is welcome including families."

Tickets, costing £10, £8 concession and £5 under 16, from 01292 313205 and further information from the same number.

The event kicks off at 7.30pm.

Enquiries:

Dave Dewar
Cultural Connections
15 Portland Terrace,
Troon KA10 6AJ
Tel / Fax 01292 313205

http://www.cultural-connections.co.uk/calendar2.php

About Ayr 800

In 2005 the historic town of Ayr in Scotland marks the 800th anniversary of King William the Lion of Scotland signing a Charter in 1205 proclaiming Ayr to be a Royal Burgh.

Ayr Guildry, an association of local business people which itself dates back to 1325, is currently organising Ayr 800, a 12 month long calendar of events to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

Brian Martin of Ayr Guildry said: "It seems fitting and appropriate to celebrate 800 years of Ayr’s history in as many different ways as possible.

"Since the inception of this project, I have been amazed to discover the number and diversity of clubs, associations and groups that flourish in our town. Ayr 800 provides them all with a magnificent opportunity to play a prominent part in our year of celebrations.

"For people and businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry, Ayr 800 offers the chance to attract visitors who might otherwise not have come to our town in 2005.

"And Ayr 800 provides an additional platform for local businesses to promote their products, skills and services to the world."

Brian Martin concluded: "Regular updates to the calendar of events will be posted on the Ayr 800 website at www.ayr800.co.uk

"All businesses, clubs, societies and individuals who would still like to take part in this great celebration of our town’s history will be most welcome, and should get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Enquiries:

Brian Martin, Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 442103.
John Hay, Clerk to Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 264091.

Website:
http://www.ayr800.co.uk

Issued on behalf of Ayr Guildry by Fame Publicity Services.

Media enquiries:

Murdoch MacDonald
Fame Publicity Services
10 Miller Road
AYR, Ayrshire
Scotland KA7 2AY

Telephone: +44 (0)1292 281498
Website: www.famepublicity.co.uk
E-mail: famepublicity@aol.com