So what was making the headlines in the Irvine Times 20 years ago this week? Marymass, of course!

The 2004 festival was seen as a huge success, with record numbers turning out for the parade and the fun at the Moor.

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But there was a rather bloody battle during the annual Greasy Pole competition as the Times front page revealed

The 2004 battle to conquer the 25-foot high pole resulted in cuts, bruises - and even a fractured arm. The event was ended only after officials and the police stepped in with a ladder.

Crowds of people had gathered on the hilltop at Irvine Moor earlier that day to watch the teams of four men form a human ladder to reach the prize ham at the top of the pole.

But tensions were soon running high as each of the three teams failed to reach the top for over an hour.

Fights broke out as members of the public stepped in to replace men injured after crashing to the ground. One was treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service for head injuries as the contest got back underway.

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The 2004 Marymass Queen Siobhan King had a very busy week indeed, with the highlight being her crowning ceremony outside the Townhouse.

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Queen Siobhan visited a number of Irvine schools with her four Marys during the 2004 festival  – including her former primary, St Mark’s, where the royal party had a shot on the climbing frame.

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The Marymass Youth Deaf Club showed they were big fans of the festival during the Saturday parade.

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In other news, a bitter wage dispute at the former Fullarton Factories was resolved after employees accepted an improved pay offer. Workers at the plant had gone on strike for 24 hours after bosses at Simclar - the firm that bought over Fullarton Computer Industries – had proposed a wage rise of just two per cent.

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Irvine teenager Lauren Jardine picked up a top trophy at the North Ayrshire Pony Championships at Eglinton Park in 2004. The 14-year-old youngster picked up the Veteran and Family Pony award with the help of her winning mount Sasha.

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Kilwinning Rangers defender Paul Mullin enjoyed a fairytale testimonial at Abbey Park in August 2004 as the Buffs overcame a young side from his beloved Celtic. The highly entertaining game ended 2-0, and attracted a crowd of more than 500. Mullin and his son Luke were given a warm reception by both teams.