Kilwinning residents came together to enjoy some fun and community spirit after on-off coronavirus lockdowns as Picnic in the Park made its welcome return.

Residents flocked to McGavin Park on Thursday [August 12] for the annual gathering – but with number restrictions and different sessions.

Kilwinning Community Events chair Donald Reid told the Times: “We were very happy and we were very fortunate with the weather overall.

“Our estimations are about 4,000 came and enjoyed the day. We’ve had really great feedback, and everybody loved being able to get back out and about in a safe and organised way.

“We were pleased all round in the group. As an organisation we’re very happy with the public’s response.

“I really liked seeing the families being out and about after everything that hasn’t been able to happen. It was just great seeing kids enjoying the inflatables and running from one to the other – and there was no real queues this year because of number restrictions. It was great seeing the kids come up at the end of the day saying thank you very much and that they had a nice day – that’s always what makes it.”

Organisers Kilwinning Community Events aimed the equipment for little ones up to 11 years with an array of inflatables and a kids ride available on the day.

Catering on site was brought by the Frying Scotsman and Frank’s ice cream van for those who didn’t bring their own picnic.

There were also plenty of try it sessions brought by the team from North Ayrshire Youth Services with Uncle Billy and Fabulous Fraser on hand entertaining the youngsters and doing balloon modelling.

Thanking visitors on the group’s Facebook page Kilwinning Community Events said: “Thank you to everyone for coming and indeed braving the weather at times.

“This was the first event as restrictions eased and hopefully we got most things right. Sadly some elements were affected by the weather which unfortunately we have no control of. With the main disappointment being having to close early due to the safety concerns.”

For more information on Kilwinning Community Events just visit www.facebook.com/Kilwinningcommunityevents

Turn to page 16 for more pictures from Kilwinning’s big Picnic in the Park.