Alix Martin was crowned Segdoune Queen for 2017 at this year’s annual Segdoune Royal Carnival. Her crowning celebrates a 50 year tradition for Kilwinning. Alix was dressed in an all white dress and her royal party were dressed in Royal Stewart tartan. Coincidently a near duplicate image to the Royal party of the 25th Anniversary crowning ceremony.

Alix Martin, Campbell McLean, Abbie-Ella McCann, Ellie Wilson, Katie MacDonald, Poppy Kean, and Summer Gordon were treated to an impressive parade escorted to the Crowning Ceremony from Kilwinning Academy to the Main Street stage.

The parade was led by the Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band followed by the Royal party in an elegant carriage driven by Danny Kerr, the Royals families, retiring Royals, former Royals, Liz Shirley, our official crowner and a royal princess in 1950 accompanied in the parade by fellow 1950’s royal party princess Maureen McMilan, elected officials, Community Council rep, St. Luke’s PS fantastic cheerleaders, ACES’s amazing Charlie and the Chocolate factory group and float, a dancing display by Susan Fraser dancers, members of our local Brownies and Rainbows group and ending our local pipers Abbey and Katy Roy.

Promoting Kilwinning would like to thank all those who joined the parade and to all the spectators along the parade route.

On the Main Street there were several charity and information stalls including Owl Magic and small childrens’ rides and events. On stage the crowd was treated to a selection of great entertainment including 2010 X Factor star Hollie Burns and our own local stars Caitlin Curruthers, Jack McLuckie, Infinity Choir and the Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band.

Liz Shirley had written and read a special poem to honour the Royals. She then crowned Alix Martin Segdoune Queen for 2017 in front of invited guests, former royals, parents and a large audience. Promoting Kilwinning congratulates all the royal party on their excellent performances on stage and a special thank you to Liz for making it an extra special crowning ceremony.

Unfortunately moments after the crowning the rain became very heavy and the crowd was forced to seek shelter. Disappointingly, Susan Fraser Dance School’s and Liz Shirley’s acts on stage had to be cancelled. The rain did eventually stop and, as always, the Carnival carried on.

Fortunately, the Afternoon tea planned for past royals and special guests in the Erskine Hall was able to go ahead and was a big success.

Promoting Kilwinning would also like to announce that the Ayrshire Hospice shop won the best dressed window competition and the Royal Crown Treasure Hunt was won by James Wardrup. Promoting Kilwinning are very pleased with the tremendous support given by the Main Street traders for these two events as well as donations to the Promoting Kilwinning raffle.

Joe Broussard, Chairperson of Promoting Kilwinning said, “This year’s parade and Carnival were a very special celebration of Kilwinning’s community spirit and history. Despite the splash of heavy rain the Kilwinning Community once again showed that it loves a parade and Carnival and how to party on.”

Promoting Kilwinning wish to acknowledge the co-operation of those individuals, groups and companies who have supported our event. Without them the Carnival would not be possible.

North Ayrshire Council, Glenmavis Traffic Management, John Bennett, Danny Kerr, Paul Payne, Belissima, Shona Thorne, ANCHO, Irvine Housing Association, Whitehirst Park and Woodside Community Centre, Nethermains Community Centre, Abbey Screen and Digital printing, Clyde Kilts, PRYDE at the Playz, Kilwinning First Aiders,Police Scotland, all the organisations and individuals who took part in our parade, all the traders who supported this year’s Souvenir programme.

You can get more information and see lots of photos on the Promoting Kilwinning FB page.