We put the scare into Ayr
Tamfest started as an idea to help bring people into Ayr town centre to celebrate its history and heritage in new, creative ways.
What was a one- day experiment exploded into a three day spectacular and I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished together. We have a lot to celebrate here, and that’s exactly what we did. Tamfest weekend we experienced a community of people who love their town, see a better future for Ayr and want to be a part of its celebration.
Tamfest 2016 was a bigger success than anyone could have imagined. Yes, we learned a lot for next year, but the original goal of bringing people back into town to celebrate Ayr’s community, heritage and town centre was an enormous success. Tamfest 2016 proved that it is positive actions and creativity that will make the biggest difference to our town. There is a rule in my household – “If you are going to complain about something, then you better be prepared to do something about it.” I cannot teach this lesson to my children if I am not willing to live up to it and so, Tamfest was born. The blessing that I found was that there are people of like- minds that see a better future for Ayr and were willing to rollup their sleeves to help make Tamfest possible. We knew that this year would bring its own challenges and creating a bigger beast would mean bringing more people on board. But what I didn’t expect was the enthusiasm, courage and commitment these amazing folks brought with them. I would like to personally thank my wonderful committee again for all their hard- work and diligence; Toria Cassidy, David Bell, Patrick Dunne, Leona Stewart, Graeme Niven, Jeremy Wyatt, Brian Borland, and our events coordinator, Steven Sandilands. Thank you to our incredible sponsors who gave us their time and/ or funding to make it possible; Launch, Ayr Reniassance, Trinity Mirror and Ayrshire Post, Ayr THI, JB Management, SAC, Ayr Central, Minuteman Press, The Ayr Town Centre Steering Group, Ayr Guitar, Brownings, Ashleigh Building, Coast Communities Fund, Clancy Consulting, Opal Studios, Armour CC, Dallings, Lamont Solicitors, Corney & Barrow, and Tam o’ Shanter Pub.
And now on to the very large list of those who committed their time, resources and experience: NSP Productions, Warcry Productions, The Gaiety Theatre, AYAN, South Ayrshire Arts Partnership, Ayr Seaforth Running Club, SAC, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, LMA, AJS Stall Hire and Marketers, Flaming Indulgence, Spider Arts, Small Town Audio, Geoff Forrest, Drew McCormack, Young Scots and Volunteers, Irvine Bay Events, West FM, What’s On Ayrshire, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, and Ayrshire College.
Special thanks to the amazing performers and individuals who made Tamfest unforgettable; Karen Dunbar, Shoot the Rapids, The Riddle Rooms, Sonic Boom Theatre, Martyn Dempsey and cast of InElseWhEre, Maleficent Movers, GalGael Charity, Dansarena, Zombie Bikers, Sambayabama, All our amazing Buskers, Ken O’Hara, Donald Kay, Ayr Pipe Band, Tam Pub Stage Performers, A Little Twist of Fate, Andy Kerr, Flew the Arrow, Mandulu & Hephzibah, Chloe Barnes, Scott Nicol, Aimee Penman, and Little Fire. Main Stage Performers, Innovation, Ayrshire Infinity Choir, AFO, Mark Wilson & Nina Kopparhed, Ghostly Bagpiper, Ayrshire Opera Experience, and the Pokey Hats. Thank you to the community groups who marched with us in the Tamfest Day of the Dead Procession on Sunday and to those who participated in the workshops leading up the festival.
Finally a huge thank you to all of you who came over the weekend to experience Tamfest 2016, we hope you had a spooktacular time. We look forward to seeing you next year! With regards to the letter in the Post ( November 4) regarding the homeless in Ayr, it’s shocking in this day and age that people are sleeping on the street.
The guy in question with the thin lurcher dog is one of the nicest guys you will meet.
People need to stop casting judgment.
Not everyone can have the perfect life, some people don’t have life skills and there is not help given to them.
Yes, he could get a roof over his head if he gives up his dog, but his dog is all he has, that is his company, what makes him get up in the morning, something to focus on and care for.
Why then should he have to give it up to get somewhere to stay? Why are there not pet friendly flats?
People need to stop judging and start helping.
All the empty large spaces in Ayr could be turned into a night shelter so they have somewhere dry and warm to sleep.
The council need to look into helping the homeless of Ayr, help them get a roof over their heads, help them off the streets and into work and become the good people I know they are.