MARYMASS 2016 kicked off in fine style last week - with the festival lined up to be one of the best yet.

On Thursday, the opening ceremony marked the start of the festivities for 2016, on the steps of the Trinity Centre in Bridgegate Square. 

Events so far, making up a packed weekend, saw the Gala Day tale place on the Low Green on Saturday, August 13, while fireworks lit up the sky at night, with spectators watching on from the moor. 

Marymass chair Pat McPhee told the Times: “It was a successful night and it all went very well. It was a good spot for the fireworks, with all those in attendance able to get a good view”.

As our pictures illustrate, there were also fantastic scenes at the sashing of the Queen.

See our reports and pictures on pages 25-33 of this week's packed Irvine Times– and watch out for more coverage in next week’s edition.