A POPULAR Marymass event is to take place this year...for the first time since 2019.

The organisers of the traditional Irvine festival announced this week that the 'greasy pole' is back for 2024.

The popular challenge sees competitors aim to climb said greasy pole in a bid to reach the juicy ham placed at the top.

But the attraction hasn't featured on the Marymass programme since the festival returned after the pandemic, with issues around getting insurance understood to lie behind the decision.

The festival's organisers, as well as confirming the event's return, thanked everyone who helped overcome those insurance obstacles.

The event will be held on Irvine Moore at 2pm on Saturday, August 24. Those wishing to enter a team are asked to contact organisers ahead of the festival.

A spokesperson said: "We can officially reveal that for the first time since 2019, the Greasy Pole will go ahead on Marymass Saturday!! We are so excited!

"A longstanding tradition and icon of the Marymass festivities, teams will once more be able to compete for the ham at the top of the pole.

"Our volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring this event back to life and our thanks must go to Jackilyn and the team at Konsileo in Kilwinning for their dedication and support over the past few years securing the insurance for the pole."