The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Wheels in motion for a showcase of culture
Music, literature and a women’s cycle festival are all part of an eclectic mix of forthcoming festivals in East Ayrshire. By Nan Spowart
FESTIVALS are making a welcome return after the restrictions of the pandemic – and East Ayrshire has a number of key events worth marking in the calendar.
AYRSHIRE WOMEN’S CYCLE FESTIVAL
FIRST off is the sixth annual Ayrshire Women’s Cycle Festival, designed to support and inspire women to cycle more, regardless of their current cycling ability or experience. The festival is a partnership project delivered by the Kilmarnock Active Travel Hub, the Ayr Active Travel Hub and the Trinity Hub in Irvine.
This year the main in-person event is taking place on May 7 at The Trinity Active Travel Hub with live speakers, a pedal powered film screening, Dr Bike, bike security marking and come and try sessions with cargo bikes and all ability bikes.
There is an online programme and this year, for the first time, there are fringe events taking place across Ayrshire including Yoga for Cyclists, beginners BMX, beginners Mountain Biking and social bike rides. A Pedal for Scotland Event is also coming to Irvine during the festival on May 8. Aimed at families, this free to enter, inclusive, mass participation cycle ride will start and finish at the Maritime Museum. www.ayrshirewomenscyclefestival.org/ programme
DARVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL
THIS year is Darvel Music Festival’s
21st anniversary and the community-run event, which is managed by local music volunteers has a packed programme.
Tidelines performed in March this year and forthcoming concerts will showcase the talents of James Grant of Love and Money fame, supported by Diesel Park West and local band, The Heeby Heeby’s, on May 13.
Next day, a double bill will feature China Crisis and The Christians. Other concerts are at the planning stage for December 2022.
Since its inception, well over 400 acts have appeared at the festival and the boost to the local economy has been substantial, aiding the regeneration of the town.
Thousands of music fans, many from across the Scotland, the UK and beyond, have travelled to Darvel to enjoy performances by acclaimed international, national and regional artists.
Tickets are selling fast but some are available at Tickets Scotland and www.darvelmusiccompany.com
BOSWELL BOOK FESTIVAL
THE world’s only book festival dedicated to biography and memoir returns live at Dumfries House from May 13-15. The Boswell Book Festival is named in honour of the great biographer James Boswell and last year attracted an even greater audience from around the globe by being staged online.
As a result of that success, many of this year’s events will also be live streamed.
Kicking off the festival will be The Accidental Footballer, Pat Nevin, who despite having 28 caps for Scotland, had never intended making chasing a ball as his career.
Following him on the inaugural evening will be the Yorkshire
Shepherdess, Amanda Owen, and then Scottish superstar singer-actress, Barbara Dickson.
Another star appearance during the festival will be Graham McTavish of Outlander and The Witcher, while composer, James MacMillan, and writer, Andrew O’Hagan, will discuss the impact their Ayrshire roots have had on their creativity. Finishing the three days in style will be Frank Skinner and Denise Mina, who will discuss their adventures in the footsteps of Boswell and Johnson. There is also a Schools and Children’s Festival which will be launched on May 9. www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk