EXCITEMENT is building in Irvine with Marymass month now upon us.

The annual festival is undoubtedly one the highlights in the town's calendar - with plenty planned throughout the duration of the event.

Though the opening ceremony is still over a week away, organisers have already revealed some of what locals can look forward to once Marymass 2024 is underway.

Proceedings will formally kick off on Thursday, August 15, when the festival's opening ceremony takes place.

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This will be hosted live from Irvine Townhouse and gets underway at 8pm that night.

Next up is the first weekend of Marymass action, taking place on Saturday, August 17.

Events begin that day with the Fourth Port Parade, which will begin at 11am on Second Avenue, and will pass the harbourside at around 12.15pm.

Later that night, at around 9pm, the Festival of Light Parade will be departing Irvine Cross, with all invited to come, take part, and "light up Irvine".

Just 45 minutes later, the Marymass fireworks will be taking place at the town's moor, with the adjacent funfair providing plenty entertainment for all the family.

Next up on the schedule of events released so far will be the festival's dog show, taking place on Wednesday, August 21 in the Volunteer Rooms from 7pm.

That then takes us to Marymass Saturday, where there will be plenty for all to enjoy.

The events official parade kicks off at 10am on Saturday, August 24, and will leave Golffields Road at 10am.

The parade will then make it's way to the Townhouse for the crowning of the Marymass Queen, Millie Barnes, at 12pm.

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There is plenty to look forward to afterwards, with live action jousting taking place at Irvine Moor from 2pm that day.

The moor will also host the return of the famous greasy pole event this year - after a five year absence from proceedings.

Also listed amongst events set to take place this year is the annual flower show on Monday, August 26 - though further details of this are yet to be confirmed.

While there is sure to be plenty more taking place throughout Irvine during the festival. The latest updates on events as they are announced will be made available via the Marymass Festival Facebook page.