Habbie Simpson is set to live once again

Lilias Day celebrates its 50th anniversary

Villagers in Kilbarchan are gearing up to celebrate their proud history at the annual Lilias Day celebration.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the revival of Lilias Day, organisers have lined up a number of previous Miss Lilias winners to take part in the annual parade.

The event celebrates the town’s medieval history with all the fun taking place in Kilbarchan Public Park between noon and 5pm on Saturday, June 2.

This year there are a number of new acts including 3sixty bike display, the Johnny Barr Music Tent and a full programme of entertainment in the kids village. Also new this year is a craft village, zorbing and art show additions to the food village.

As well as the new additions, there will be the usual stalwarts of Lilias Day – the Britannia XIV medieval village and archery, the annual tug of war tournament, local football derby and 50 stalls for the 50th anniversary year.

Organisers hope this year’s parade will be one of the biggest yet with a record number of floats, an elusive Batman making an appearance and the best in local piping with Kilbarchan, St Columba’s and Houston Pipe Bands all taking part.

The grand finale will again be the big prize raffle when one lucky winner will leave the park £1,000 richer. Tickets can be bought on the day at the Lilias Day Committee stall.

Joint-chair, Graeme Stockton, said: “I think everyone comes up behind it and supports it immensely because it raises a lot of money for charity. I think last year’s estimates were up to £30,000.

“Everyone from outwith the town comes back for the day and sees their family and friends and just celebrates their history together.

“When the march starts, that’s my favourite bit, just seeing everyone coming out of their houses to have a look.

“Everyone dresses up from the time of the druids right through William Wallace’s time to William Brodie, the man who laid the first stone at the Statue of Liberty. He was also from Kilbarchan.”

This year’s Miss Lilias is Beth Callow, a fifth year pupil at St Benedict’s High School. She was chosen for her volunteer work with Kilbarchan Scout Group, helping out with the Beavers since she was 14.

As part of her duties Beth will read a proclamation to officially open Lilias Day and, later in the year, will switch on the village’s Christmas lights.

This year’s school queen from Kilbarchan Primary is Ellie McGriesh and her attendants are Rachel Payne and Katie McDonald.

Archie Sandground is making his debut as Habbie Simpson, the famous 16th century piper from Kilbarchan,

Lilias Day stretches back to at least 1717 when landowners would hold a village fair for the locals and build arches over the town.

A variety of events for all ages are currently taking place in the village as part of Lilifest. This year’s headliners are Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs who are playing at Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre on Thursday at 7.30pm. Tickets are £ 15 and are available in person from Bobbins, Kilbarchan.

For more information and ticket details for any of the Lilifest events, go to www.liliasday.co.uk