The Marymass Festival officially kicked off in Irvine on a balmy Thursday night with a hugely entertaining opening ceremony at the Townhouse, drawing large crowds in time-honoured fashion.
Queen-Elect and Her Marys
Luce Cardle (14) of Greenwood Academy was confirmed as the Queen-Elect at the end of the evening. She will be crowned Queen on Marymass Saturday, August 22, flanked by the four Marys: Taylor Hyndman, Macie Bell, Skye McLardy, and Mollie Bell.
Luce said: “I feel proud to be part of the Marymass celebrations and feel very honoured to be involved in such a special tradition. Marymass is something that brings our community together, and I am grateful to be making memories that I will cherish forever. I love how it brings everyone together and it is a big part of my life.”
Luce has family connections going back more than five decades with the parade. She said: “My gran, Phyllis Rogers was a Marymass Mary in 1971 so she has been telling me her memories from the Festival. I feel both excited and nervous.”
Taylor Hyndman (14), also of Greenwood Academy, said: “I am very excited about being a Mary – it’s been a dream of mine since I was younger. It will be great to wear the Mary dress in the carriage and my school-mates have been encouraging. My mum, Carissa Hyndman was a Marymass Mary in 2001 and absolutely loved it. I am so excited about the Festival. It’s a huge honour and privilege to represent my school and be part of the Marymass tradition.”
Macie Bell (15) from Matthew’s Academy said: “I am excited and nervous, my cousin Dillon and uncle Stephen are both members of the Carters and are involved in the parade. I was really pleased to be selected and have got to know all the other girls really well.”
Skye McLardy (14) of Irvine Royal Academy added: “I walk in the parade every year with many football team Clark Drive, I captain them. I’m so excited about Marymass and could hardly sleep last night. I am looking forward to attending all the events that take place.”
Fellow Irvine Royal pupil Mollie Bell said: “I genuinely love Marymass so much, I always stand by the side and watch the parade. My grandpa Joe Wayne used to go up and down the parade with jokes and toys. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be selected as a Marymass Mary.”
Andy Tremble Makes History
Andy Tremble made history when elected Captain of Irvine Carters’ Society, becoming the first former captain to be re-appointed to the role. After 23 years, he returns, having served in the role previously from 1997 until 2003.
Andy said: “It’s a great honour of privilege to be captain for 2026, Thanks to ex-captain Gordon Storrar for his hard work over the past four years. I will endeavour to do my best. Thanks to the patrons for your support. To my long-suffering wife Pauline – if you behave yourself you are odds on favourite to crown the Marymass Queen a week on Saturday, it’s safe to say you can now buy that dress you always longed for on Vinted.”
Provost Anthea Dickson said: “On behalf of the good people of Irvine, I congratulate Andy Tremble on being elected Captain of Irvine Carters’ Society and wish him every success in the role. I am sure this year’s festival will exceed all expectations. Congratulations to the Marymass Queen and her four Mary’s and I hope you all have an enjoyable Marymass and take part in as many events as you are able.”
Bagpipe Brothers Entertain
The celebrated Bagpipe Brothers Luca and Noah Dickson and cousin Lleyton Hyndman played a starring role in the evening, fresh from becoming celebrities in Boston where they played before the two Scotland World Cup games at Foxborough Stadium. They played a selection of tunes before the opening ceremony.
Lleyton said: “We were in Boston for two weeks and really enjoyed the atmosphere with all the Scotland fans, the local people were really nice too.”
Noah said: “My highlight was going with the Tartan Army to the Boston Red Sox baseball match and it was a great atmosphere, with all the Scotland fans singing. We met Craig Ferguson, the Scottish star who walked from LA to Boston to see Scotland playing. It’s great to be playing at the Marymass opening, we’ve had lot of support from people here who recognised us from being in Boston.”
