FAMILIES had a blast at this year’s Saltcoats Queen of the Sea Festival despite the gloomy skies.

The event, over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday, July 16/17, was packed with fun entertainments and even the local cops got into the carnival spirit.
Alice Bruce, of Saltcoats Gala Committee, said: “Apart from the weather, everything went really well. We had a great time. Even the policemen were having fun – they were joining in the conga!

“There was a good turnout from the community and there were a lot of entertainments. We had a lot of support from local businesses and we can’t thank them enough.

“The Kandy Bar had a float and there were free cakes!

“We always give away a prize for the best in the parade and we gave it this year to Dance Mafia, who are based at The Zone. Their kids put on a great wee performance. 

“Kirsty’s Kritters come every year. They had snakes, tarantulas and bearded dragons for the kids. Owl Magic were also there and they brought along lots of different owls, from wee small ones to huge ones. Furry Friends, the dog walkers, had a stall and everything they made from it went towards animal charities. 

“On the Sunday we had George Michael and Kylie tribute acts and they were absolutely brilliant. 

“We had a Filipino dance crew who did a fantastic performance, and Uncle Billy, the kids’ entertainer was also on. He kept the kids amused and was going around making twisty balloons. 

“The only thing was the weather but it didn’t stop everyone having fun.”

The Royal Party were as follows: Queen – Kendra McNamee, Captain – Patric Hollywood, Ladies in Waiting – Joy Gilmour, Eve Quinn and Aimee Hamilton, Buccaneers – Arron McGreavy and Josh Carswell.