This year’s Largs Viking Festival has been hailed as a roaring success – with thousands flocking to the town each day.

Visitors from near and far could wander through the Viking Village, visit stalls and rides, and take a trip on a longship across to Cumbrae.

On Saturday, the festival came to a dramatic conclusion with a battle reenactment, torchlight parade, burning of the longboat and annual fireworks set off on the seafront.

Douglas Blair, festival chairman, believes the whole week was a huge success, with trains and buses packed on their way to the town.

He said: “I think the festival as a whole was a great success, with thousands of people coming to the town every day to visit.

“Scotrail and Stagecoach had put on extra trains and buses and even those were packed out, especially on the final day.

“We had lots of amazing feedback from locals and visitors alike, who loved everything we put on throughout the week.

“I think the extra small activities like the longship across to Cumbrae made a big difference as it added to the attraction for people to come here.”

Major changes took place to this year’s festival, including changing the location of the battle reenactment and the fireworks to the area around Vikingar and Largs Bay.

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Douglas believes this change went down well with visitors, as well as traders who had set up their stalls in the area.

He explained: “This was, of course, our first time changing the location of the battle reenactment to Vikingar and it seems to have gone well.

“Having everything on site at the Largs Bay area seemed to be better for the public, rather than having everyone go down to Mackerston.

“The traders also felt it was better as it kept more people in the town centre, as well as in and around the fair and amusements.

“For the future I would say we are likely to keep that format for the next few years as it seemed to go as we hoped.”

Parts of this year’s festival involved costs for visitors, including access to the Viking Village and a closer view of the battle reenactment.

Douglas says that despite charging for certain activities, the support from locals, visitors and businesses has been greater than ever.

He added: “We would all love to have a free event throughout the whole week but everyone knows the finances were an issue and it’s just not possible.

“If someone wants to donate £50,000 or £100,000 to make everything free then we would but it doesn’t work like that.

“It is tough times for everyone and any money we make this year goes towards the festivities in 12 months’ time.

“The support from everyone this year has been fantastic, and it feels like more people offered their help than ever before.”