Saturday 30th May 2026 will see the unassuming East Ayrshire town of Mauchline come to life history and music for the historic ‘Holy Fair’ – the biggest and best yet!
The unique event embraces all the elements of the traditional fairs that the national Bard – Robert Burns – would have attended, and fuses this with modern music, fun and games for the perfect family day out! Keep your eyes peeled for more information both on our social media and website as more acts are announced but you can whet your appetite with some of the events already confirmed. #MHF2026
Check out our social media for all the acts and timings!
This year, visitors will be able to explore 5 free live music stages – with the return of the two newest performance spaces: ‘Burn’s Howf’ hosted by Sundancer, and the ‘Jean Armour Stage’
As always, Mauchline Parish Church have collated an amazing lineup of local talent, including the pupils of Mauchline Primary School, the Dunaskin and Doon Brass Band, as well as the musical stylings of Coast Harmony.
The ‘Nanse Tinnock Stage’ is now a staple of the event, and will return to Castle Street, hosted by friends of the fair – The Burns Bachelors Performers. This talented group showcase their amazing membership of local Burnsians, musicians, poets and storytellers! The National Trust property across the road, the Burns House Museum, will also open with fascinating exhibits to explore.
The Main Stage Lineup brings a feast of energy and joy this year, with upbeat fan favourites for all tastes. This year we will travel through various genres of music including the classic pop sound of Voyage – The ABBA Tribute, iconic soul tracks from The Divas Soul Band, as well as the rockabilly stylings of Ayrshire legends – The Peas. We return to our roots with traditional Scottish music from Ken O’Hara and Burness, and the amazing dancers of Sophie Oliver School of Highland Dancing. The dancing continues with DCB Dance Co. and a special ceilidh hosted by the fantastic Borland Ceilidh Band! The 2026 lineup brings a great selection of acts with music for all tastes.
Elsewhere on site, the ‘weans’ can explore our Children’s area – where they can learn with UnderSky, be entertained by the legendary Uncle Billy and his ‘Magical Fantastic Show’. By the church, families can admire the ingenuity of the Ayr Model Railway Club at the Church Halls before stopping for tea and cake! They may even meet some feathered friends with Owl Magic in the grounds! All the talented entrants to the Mauchline Holy Fair Art Competition will be available to view, and you may even be mesmerised by professional artists doing live paintings! Nearby, on High Street towards the school, visitors can enjoy exploring a variety of vintage vehicles on display – including several fire engines!
Oscar, Primary 7 at Mauchline Primary School told us: “My favourite thing about the Holy Fair is getting to go out with my pals, getting to do loads of stuff and having my family around. I’m most looking forward to getting outside, getting to see a community coming together, and see all the stuff that makes Mauchline, Mauchline!”
There will be more than 100 market stalls, offering a variety of local makers, bakers, crafters, vendors and local groups. In addition, a small selection of craft stalls within the Centre Stane, where the ever-popular team from the Mauchline Masonic will be hosting Teas and Coffees, making a welcome return having been missed for a number of years. The Cowgate will once again host the funfair with activities and rides to suit all the family!