A POPULAR event featuring some of the best food and drink Ayrshire has to offer is set to return this weekend.

The 'Makers and Producers Market' will be taking place at the Scottish Maritime Museum on Irvine's harbourside on Saturday and Sunday - August 17 and 18.

From 10am-4pm on both days, the venue will host the market in association with the Ayrshire Food Group - with free entry offered to all.

Over the weekend, visitors will discover a host of exciting artisans, heritage crafts and food and drink producers across the Linthouse and Museum Courtyard.

Making the occasion all the more special on Saturday, the market will be coinciding with Irvine's famous Marymass Festival.

On that day, the festival's Fourth Port Parade will be heading along the adjacent harbourside and will make for an incredible spectacle either before, or after, heading to the market.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour Photography)

Even more is planned for Sunday when visitors will relish three lively chef demonstrations led by Ayrshire Food Group alongside the food market in the Museum Courtyard.

An exciting list of food and drink producers heading to the event has been announced and offers a bit of something for everyone.

Those heading to the event include: Ayrshire Riviera Cider; local Rocket Monkey small batch roastery - who will also have a selection of fresh and fragrant coffee beans available for purchase; Scone Mad by Carsphairn Tearooms; the ever popular Reggaelicious Food Truck and Kitchen; Little Birdhouse Bakes and the award-winning food truck Joanna’s Chippy Van.

And it isn't just food and drink on offer, with a range of arts and craft goodies set to be available.

There will be plenty to take your pick from with woodcrafts, glassware, Harris Tweed home accessories, candles and scents, ceramics, paper crafting and art to handcrafted jewellery, handbags, children’s clothing, skincare, personalised gifts and home sewn and crochet goods all to be on offer.

Christopher Woodland, Commercial Manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, commented: “We’re delighted to partner with Ayrshire Food Group once again and host another of our popular seasonal markets.

“As ever, we wanted to create an exciting experience for our visitors as well as a busy marketplace for all the great independent artisans, makers and food and drink producers across Irvine and Ayrshire. 

“Many more people are now aware of traditional crafts and how it relates to our own heritage.

"The market also includes demonstrations by ceramicists, woodwork, glass blowing and so much more.

"It’s those who hold in their heads, hands and hearts the craft skills which have been passed down through the generations who are worthy of a celebration.”