The countdown is on to a fantastic feast of events for all the family is coming to Largs on the dates of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July.

After last year’s phenomenal success, the Largs Family Fun Day is returning on Saturday 5 July at Broomfields prom from 12 noon till 6pm, and the Largs Events committee have booked more equipment and will run a longer programme in order to keep queuing time as short as possible.

And there will be another show of strength on the seafront when the Largs Highland Games returns to Broomfields on Sunday 6 July from 1.30pm-6pm.

Andrew Beattie of Tug.com will again be flying his magnificent monster kites that proved to be a big attraction last year. All activities will start on Saturday on the the field from 12 noon and the event will close by 6pm.

The range of fun activites include: Body Zorb football, inflatable climbing wall, zip slide assault course, bouncy castle, wrecking ball, toddlers zone, surf simulator, Arran Outdoors Climbing Wall, and Moonwalk (a large bouncy castle).

There will also be the introduction of a new toddler zone this year for youngsters with a range of fun and games suited for that particular age group.

An opening day parade leaving the lifeboat station at 12.30pm including bands, and the Fierce Cheerleaders.

Another parade will launch the start of the Largs Highland Games on Sunday 6 July at 1pm from Largs Pier, and will be joined by Irvine Pipe Band. David P.Webster OBE is again running the Highland Games which will surprise and entertain with great feats of strength on show from the strongmen, including Bruce Aitken, the world record holder for hammer throwing.

Following the his wonderful organisation and comparing of the 2013 event, David has just returned to Scotland following his annual trip to USA where he is Chief of Officials at The Arnold (Schwarzenegger) Strongman Classic/Highland Games. Locally David was also responsible for the creation of the Inverclde Sports Centre.

Chairman Ian Murdoch said: “We are trying to rectify the queue problem by spending more money and there will be more apparatus. There will be eight inflatables plus the toddler zone, and the Arran Outdoor - so there will be nine activities for the older children, and we have three or four facilities for the smaller kids. We are starting the fun day earlier at midday on Saturday to try and ease off the pressure on the length of the queues, so that some can come and see the parade at 12.30, and others can get involved in the activities.” The 2013 Tug of War was won by the team from Inverclyde Sports Centre. If you would like to enter a team for Saturday’s event, please contact Largs Events to register on 07944 722 027. There will be a beer tent, burger van, and ice cream van from Equi’s at Nardini’s over both days, and Craigmiles’ Candy Floss and tablet. Local magicians Calum McVittie and David Ennis will also providing some exciting tricks during the day. Keep an eye on the Largs and Millport News Facebook for any more updates nearer the time of the big launch.

Ian has made a special plea for Tug of War teams to come forward, and said: “It was a fabulous event last year with Inverclyde Sports Centre and Largs Fire Brigade getting involved. There is a refreshment tent with a drinks licence so the adults can relax while the children are on the rides. Although it is a Largs Family Fun Day, there is lots of things there for the adults, although the main feature is for the children so there are things there for all ages.” He added: “There is so much fun for all the family, and we hope it is a very special weekend for the town.

Both events are run by the Largs Events group, with a local voluntary committee. Timpsons of Largs have sponsored the Tug O’War contest, M&J Builders Merchants have sponsored the kite flying, and M&Co have sponsored Irvine Pipe Band, and North Ayrshire Council have also provided funds for the event.

Timetable Saturday Largs Family Fun Day 12 noon All activities start at Broomfields.

12.30pm Parade leaving the lifeboat station including bands and Fierce Cheerleaders, Members of the public are welcome to follow the parade to Broomfields.

There will be various Trade and Craft talls along with refreshments for all ages.

* The following items will be covered by the £5 all day wristbands - Body Zorb Football, Inflatable Climbing Wall, Zip Slide Assault Course, Bouncy Castle, Wrecking Ball, Toddlers Zone, Surf Simulator, Arran Outdoors Climing Wall, Moon Walk.

3pm Tug of War Contest - won last year by Inverclyde Sports Centre who are returning to defend their trophy. To register a team, phone Largs Events on 07944 722 027 6pm Event closes.

Sunday Largs Highland Games 1pm Parade from the Pier at with Irvine Pipe Band. All welcome to join the parade.

1.30pm The Largs Highland Games will commence at Broomfields. A full afternoon of events will include Highland Dance demonstrations and Pipe Band music, trade stands and craft stands along with refrshements for all ages will be available.

Activities for children of all ages will be on site.

6pm Event closes.

(Times are approximate) * Andrew Beattie of Tug.com will be flying his magnificent Monster Kites over both days.