Tamfest cancelled
Xmas light switch- ons are in the balance too
The popular Tamfest procession in Ayr has been cancelled this year but the festival will host online events instead.
And question marks still hang over whether the council Christmas lights switch- on will happen in the High Street as bosses say it is too early to decide.
South Ayrshire Council said if crowds aren’t allowed due to the Covid- 19 pandemic it may host virtual events.
Tamfest organisers have taken the decision not to go- ahead with the High Street Halloween extravaganza - but still want to create a celebration online.
Tamfest chair Meredith McCrindle said: “I don’t think anyone would have predicted it would turn out the way it has. This is our sixth year but we have to adapt and change.”
Harpist Meredith, who founded Tamfest, said they didn’t want to push ahead with the Tam o’ Shanter event by any means in October. They will opt for a virtual festival during 2020 with the full event back on next year.
Meredith said: “By October people will want something to celebrate.
“The whole of October will be full of virtual events. Normally
Tamfest is one or two days but we get to extend it this year because of the virtual approach. Kids and families will be able to take part.”
Events will also be posted online in July, August and September to create a build- up to the main event on Sunday October 25. People can find out more from the Tamfest social media page at www. facebook. com/ TamFestAyr. Meredith said the Tamfest team are grateful to secure sponsorship support from South Ayrshire Council this year.
Council run events such as the Christmas lights illumination have still not been confirmed.
A council spokesman said: “South Ayrshire Council will be following all national guidance and it would be premature to conclude the impact of the public health crisis on any individual event. Where it is not possible to hold an event with crowds present, we will explore the possibility of hosting it virtually.”