Organisers praise "like a dream" Hairst which brought thousands to Huntly
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
HUNTLY'S Hairst returned in force last weekend with thousands enjoying the festival's huge range of activities.
Featuring – among others – the much-loved World Stovies Championship and Room to Run event, the Saturday (September 2) celebration also had a record-breaking number of stalls.
New additions to Hairst this year, included: behind-the-scenes tours of No. 30 the Square, poetry readings, the soft launch of the Huntly Travel Hub, the Dean's Desserts contest and free kids parties.
A head-to-head cooking battle between Home Economics teacher Anne Rae and pupil support assistant Undra Astbury, from The Gordon Schools, also delighted a Stewart's Hall crowd.
Organisers praised all groups who delivered Hairst events, including: Orbs Bookshop, for the shop window quiz and author talks; and Deveron Projects, who held an open screenprinting studio in Square Deal and events in the Brander Building's garden.
Huntly Crafters organised a bustling craft fair in the Gordon Arms Hotel and Abi-Lou’s Messy Play delivered two kids well-supported parties at the OAP Hall.
Huntly Folk Club and John Macpherson hosted the Square's full day of live music and entertainment.
Sunday (September 3) again saw the Big Picnic return to Leith Hall, Kennethmont with the support of Friends of Leith Hall.
“Do you know, it has gone like a dream," Hairst organiser Kay Thomson said.
“There was something special about the weekend – whether it was the weather, the vibe, or the sheer number of people who made the effort to come.
“Stalls told me they sold out after bringing double, and the feedback from them has been wonderful.
“A huge thank you to everyone, from the bottom of my heart, for being so welcoming to me during my first Hairst, and for the committee's phenomenal help.
“You wouldn’t think this could happen in a little town in Aberdeenshire, but it has been going for so long and going so strong.
“I'm looking forward to taking on the job and the role next year."
Speaking on Saturday afternoon, Hairst chairperson Pat Scott said: “It has been a really successful day.
“Visitors have been loving that the town is so busy, loving the stalls and loving the entertainment.
“And that is exactly what I am trying to do – it puts the town on the map.
“Kay has hit the ground running, and I am delighted she is our organiser."
Both Ms Scott and Ms Thomson also thanked Addison Electrical, the Christian Fellowship and the Air Cadets, as well as those mentioned above, for their vital Hairst contributions.
