This weekend sees the final big family friendly festival of the year on Millport with the September illuminations.

As well as late night shop openings on Saturday, there are plenty of events taking place, including a fireworks display, ceilidh, and a photography competition.

The illuminations weekend has been a fixture in Cumbrae’s calendar for many years, dating back to 1934, and is very much a tradition, with street entertainment and a happy vibe.

The ‘News’ understands that the Garrison building itself may be illuminated this weekend, as part of the celebrations, as the seafront is lit up in spectacular colours, with many houses and businesses also taking part.

On Friday, the weekend starts with a trampoline competition at the crazy golf at 4pm, children’s entertainment in the Newton Bar from 5pm to 7pm, then a family fun quiz in Garrison House where the cafe will stay open for refreshment.

The Garrison hosts a number of activities from noon on Saturday, including Owl Magic, children’s nail and glitter tattoos at the crazy golf, Millport Guides, and a ‘bake sale’ in the Garrison.

Then from around 6pm onwards, the famous illuminations take place with shops, houses, gardens and businesses all lit up with lots of different themes and street entertainment.

At 8.15pm, a free fireworks display takes place at Straw’herry Jetty, with the padella lights sparkling on the ‘Eileans’, and a massive bonfire.

Following the fireworks, there will be a big knees-up at the Millport Town Hall with a family ceilidh. Hot soup will be served at the event/ On Sunday 27, the Owl Magic and nail bar and side stalls continue with a crab competition that day. Mini Millport’s Got Talent will take to the stage from 2pm until 4pm in the DA Hall.

The finale of the weekend will be the prizegiving in the DA Hall at 4.30pm.

There will be entertainment on every evening in venues throughout Millport all weekend.

People not staying the whole weekend can come along, and return on any of the three extra late night ferries Cal Mac are providing.

Please note that passes must be obtained for these special ferries from the CalMac ticket office and the return buses are from the pier bus stops only.

Eighty years ago this week, the ‘News’ reported on the second successful illuminations weekend, stretching over the 2.5 miles of sea frontage, with over 20,000 padella lights, with motor yachts in the bay joining in, and of course, bonfires and fireworks in a very similar vein to 2015’s big celebrations.

The ‘News’ reported in 1935: “One of the prime items was the fireworks from the Eileans, which has been arranged by Messrs Pain of London, and their programme was very beautiful and grand. A torchlight procession by the Boys’ Brigade marched through the town, and a dance was held in the town hall until midnight.” * Entry forms for the story writing competition are available from The Royal George Hotel, and entries from the photography competition via the Facebook page ‘IOCTA September Weekend’ - the best photo in the adult and under 16s category will win a trophy. Submit your photos by private mail to the Facebook page, ensuring your age and a contact phone number are included in your message.

* More details about the illuminations event can be found on Twitter https://twitter.com/septweekend