Celebrate Kirriemuir event aims to help town bounce back from tough start to 2026

Kirriemuir hopes to put a spring in its step with a day-long celebration of everything the town has to offer.

The event is a response to the hit the wee red town suffered from weeks of roadworks at the start of the year. Local shops saw trade plummet during the town centre closures. The impact was made worse when Bank Street had to be shut for a second time to repair substandard work.

Kirrie has at least recently enjoyed the massive annual boost brought by Bonfest. Thousands of AC/DC fans arrived this month for the 20th anniversary of the festival honouring rocker Bon Scott. Businesses and groups want to keep the feelgood factor going with the Celebrate Kirriemuir event on Saturday May 30.

Catherine Marriott of town counselling business The Beech Tree is one of the organisers. She told The Courier the event emerged from the “deadening effect” of the roadworks from January to March.

“We were already struggling, like most town centres, with the change in consumer habits,” said Catherine. “Then the road closures killed off so much of whatever footfall there had been. Our aim is to showcase all that Kirriemuir has on offer and bring the community together in a fun, family-friendly celebration. We want to be proud of ourselves and our town – past, present and future.

“We have invited every group, organisation and business in Kirriemuir and the area to take part. It offers them the chance to showcase and promote themselves.”

The event starts at 10am and will stretch from one end of Kirriemuir to the other. On Kirrie Hill, the Knights of Monymusk recreation group will set up a medieval encampment. Doors open events will be held at St Anthony’s Church, Sustainable Kirriemuir Organic Garden, the Buddhist Meditation centre, fire station and Kirrie Connections dementia hub.

There are a range of stalls in the main hall of the Town Hall, with activities in the lesser hall and some demonstrations on the stage.

“Some of the shops are putting on special activities, there will be live music in The Square, pony rides at Pathhead, Southmuir Primary fayre and Pilates and other tasters at Logie,” added Catherine.

In the Old Parish Church, a potted history of Kirriemuir exhibition will be staged. Kirriemuir Development Trust, one of the groups supporting the day, will be looking to the future with a stand there.

“For a finale we will have a parade around the centre of town at 3pm. Everyone is then invited to the Buddhist Centre for tea and Sri Lankan sweets,” said Catherine. “We are really hoping to generate some bustle and fun in the town – at least for the day, though hopefully longer.”

This article appeared in the Courier on 19 May 2026