The Herald - The Herald Magazine
A town in tune with its history
Dating back to 1933, Bonnet Guild Festival is a celebration of Stewarton’s proud gala day traditions, writes Nan Spowart
BEGINNING as just a one-day event, Stewarton’s Bonnet Guild Festival now runs for over a week and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. It is quite an achievement when so many other towns have lost their gala days over the years and is due to the support the volunteer Guild members receive from the local community, according to President Pat McFadden. “In this day and age it is difficult to organise such events but with the support of the community we have managed to keep this one going,” he said.
“This year marks the 90th anniversary of Bonnet Guild week and we are looking forward to the forthcoming festivities week very much. Preparations are well underway and celebrations will commence with traditional bunting being hung along the main streets of Stewarton at the beginning of the week, and will finish with the parade to the war memorial and church service on Sunday, June 18.”
He added: “‘The nine decades of the Bonnet Guild’ is the theme for the decorated shop window displays and float parade on Saturday, June 17, and is sure to be one of the most colourful and anticipated parts of the week. We are hoping for record participation in this, our 90th year.”
It is thanks to the hard work of the Bonnet Guild and the support of businesses and the community that the gala day during the festival is one of the biggest in Scotland.
“If it is a dry day you can’t move in the town, it is so well supported,” said Pat.
The historic crowning of the Corsehill Queen, followed by the colourful parade always brings out the crowds. Along with her court, the Queen is selected by Stewarton Academy and this year is second year student Charlotte Brown.
The gala day is the highlight of a full week filled with games and activities for all ages and this year will also include a specially curated 90th anniversary pop up exhibition in St Columba’s Church Hall.
Entry is free, with the exhibition running at various times from June 10 to 17, and will feature photos, videos and historical Bonnet Guild regalia.
It is sure to be a fascinating exhibition as the first gala day dates from 1933 when a group of local businessmen joined forces to provide the families and children of the town with a summer gala day to lift the spirits of the community which - along with other communities across Scotland - had been hit hard by the Great Depression.
Stewarton had been known as The Bonnet Toun for centuries because of its bonnet making and, in recognition of that, the original volunteers paid tribute to the craft guild tradition by calling themselves the Stewarton Bonnet Guild.
Doon Valley Walkers have marked trails and added geocache
The first gala day was held on Saturday,
spots to pathways around scenic Loch Doon
June 24, 1933, preceded by a concert held in the Picture House, the previous Thursday. The Stewarton Gala Day was acclaimed a great success and, with the exception of the war years, the festival has continued ever since. Last year saw the historic and unique crowning of three Corsehill Queens (from 2020, 2021 and 2022), to suitably acknowledge the achievements of Queen’s elected during the pandemic, when the usual crowning ceremonies and gala day gatherings could not take place.
The present Stewarton Bonnet Guild organise various activities throughout each year, including the hugely popular winter Torchlight Parade and the Remembrance Service at the War Memorial each
November, but the highlight of their year is the Festival Week each June. It is a non-profit making organisation run solely by volunteer members. The gala day and souvenir programme is the main source of fundraising - the proceeds of which go towards funding the following year.
“One thing I would ask is for people to bring cash with them rather than bank cards as providing adequate card payment facilities is one of our biggest challenges right now!” said Pat.
He added: “We are so grateful to all of our local, independent traders and community, sports and uniform organisations for their loyal support.
“Particular thanks go to East Ayrshire Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance with planning and support throughout the week.”
The Guild would particularly like to thank Beaver Printing, Billy Bowie Special Projects, David Gilbert Photography, The Cobble Shop, Robert Mackies, The Book Nook, Corsehill Dental Care, Clydebuilt Fitness, The Print Room Scotland, Broons, The Cup and Saucer, The Coffee Pot, The Smugglers, The Stewarton Arms and The Millhouse.