Greasy Pole goes global as Marymass Festival 2025 breaks records

Marymass 2025 has been hailed as a record-breaking success, with organisers describing it as “a belter” after twelve days of sunshine, tradition and celebrations that put Irvine on the world stage.

The warm conditions helped bring record crowds to both the fireworks on August 16th and Marymass Saturday on the Moor, creating what organisers said “felt like a festival atmosphere from start to finish.”

One of the surprise highlights of this year’s festival was the Greasy Pole. A longstanding Marymass tradition, it became an international talking point after footage of the event was picked up by media across the UK and beyond. Television, radio and newspapers all ran features on the pole, with organisers joking, “You can forget yir Notting Hill Carnivals and yir Coachellas when you’ve got Marymass.”

The moment the winners finally reached the top for the first time since 2019 was captured on video by Ayrshire Daily News — and it went viral, racking up more than half a million views. Organisers said they were delighted to see such a quirky part of Irvine history “gain celebrity status” and bring global recognition to the festival.

The parades also returned in style. The Fourth Port Parade was described as “much improved on last year,” while the main Marymass Parade was packed with heavy horses, floats, bands, jousters and community groups. The emotional sight of an 8-horse hitch making its way through the streets was hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Irvine Moor itself was “jam packed” on Marymass Saturday, with organisers crediting not only the fine weather but also the huge variety of free activities and events laid on for families. They said they were “overwhelmed with the number of visitors” and deeply moved by the “kind comments and folk having a good time,” which made their long hours of work “very much worthwhile.”

Organisers were quick to remind the public just how much dedication goes on behind the scenes. The Moor’s infrastructure, entertainment, fireworks, Festival of Light Parade and opening ceremony were all delivered by just ten Marymass Festival Committee volunteers. “Ten people made it all happen and we applaud them all,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the parade and racing were once again the responsibility of the Irvine Carters, who worked tirelessly to bring the traditions of Marymass to life with horses, floats and community participation. “Their commitment to bringing the traditions of Marymass to life every year is unwavering,” organisers said.

The success of Marymass 2025 does not mean the work is over. Planning for 2026 begins almost immediately, with Irvine Carters starting tomorrow and the Festival Committee beginning next week. “This year was a belter and it will be hard to beat, but that’s the aim and that is what we will work all year to do,” the organisers promised.

As Irvine reflects on a fortnight that mixed sunshine, heritage and viral fame, the question now is what Marymass 2026 will bring. For now, organisers are simply saying: “Thank you again for a hugely successful Marymass 2025. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it all together for you.”