Town’s chance to Shine

Oct 30 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

GIRVAN is about to play host to a week-long series of events for Shine 2009, the town’s contribution to the Year of Homecoming.

The week of artwork and shows starts on October 31, and culminates in what promises to be a great lantern procession on Saturday, November 7.

Artists and townspeople are using vacant properties, as well as landmark buildings, to shed new light on the town and make it shine.

Events include video projections and re-enactments at the former town jail, Stumpy Tower, as well as special shows in the McKechnie Institute and Town House. Also look out for special attractions at the Wave Gallery, the Registry Office, Chalmers Arcade, the Methodist Church, North Parish Church and the arch at the old cemetery.

The Homecoming Lantern Procession, on Saturday, November 7, will feature a fabulous river of light.

The procession will be led by a massive Tam o’ Shanter lantern created by Scottish artist Graeme Gilmour and his arts team.

Tam will head a host of giant lanterns and smaller hand-held ones.

The procession will end at the shore front in a fantastic community celebration.

This will include the burning of the Homecoming 5 Pillars sculpture, created by artist David Powell.

And a fireworks display, organised Girvan Attractions Association, will provide a grand finale.

There’s a last chance of lantern-making this Saturday, October 31, at Lendalfoot and Pinwherry village halls from noon to 5pm, and at The Space in Girvan’s Hamilton Street from 10am to 5pm.