THE Ardrossan Castle Carnival on Saturday, June 17 was a huge success with great weather, top class entertainment and thousands of people there.

The good weather encouraged scores of locals and visitors to the celebration to mark the 471st anniversary of the meeting of the Privy Council at Ardrossan Castle on 18 June 1546.

The event started with a spectacular community produced display by artistic designer Ariel Killick of Independent State of Happiness and featuring hakas, poi dancers, stilt walkers and a giant William Wallace. Hidden under the giant William Wallace head was The Scottish Centre for Personal Safety’s Executive Manager, Alan Bell, and his Warriors were made up of instructors and supporters of the charity as well as police officers, members of the Tai Chi club which use the Barony St. John Centre where the charity is based and three registered blind people who have been attending the charity’s personal safety classes.

Visitors enjoyed an archaeology dig for artefacts, archery, birds of prey, crafts, face painting, Guardian of Ardrossan Castle training, historic writing, How to Train your Dragon, Ladies of the Renaissance, Men and Muskets, story-telling, pipe band, fire juggling, balloon modelling, spoon carving, medieval music, spray painting, stocks and sponges, Youth Theatre Group as well as other family-oriented attractions.

The highlight was the horse joust when Les Amis re-enacted battle combat on horseback and on foot to an appreciative audience. Members of Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society hare delighted with this very positive achievement.

The Society thanks the funders, guests, service providers and performers for their contributions to a very happy community gathering. A large number of volunteers facilitated the smooth running of the Carnival, much to the appreciation of the organisers. One of the Society’s aims is to raise the profile of Ardrossan and its Castle and this was achieved in a joyful family day out.

Rather than sell hot food at the Carnival, the Society encouraged visitors to go to nearly eateries to support local businesses.

Ardrossan Castle has been selected to represent North Ayrshire in the Scotland in Six Hidden Gems competition, which is part of the celebration of Scotland’s 2017 Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology.

Voting takes place through June and July here and here.

Check out this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald for loads more photos from the day.