Countdown begins to Carluke Jam and Ham Festival

Sweet taste of Carluke jam at last year's festival (Picture Sarah Peters)

And the town’s top talent will be taking part in exhibitions, concerts and competitions from Thursday, September 29, to Saturday, October 1, during a festival designed to showcase the whole town.

With ‘jampionships’ for local jam-makers, a jamboree with stalls and live music, and jamming sessions in local pubs on Friday and Saturday evenings, there is something for everyone as Carluke celebrates its heritage.

Backed by two of the town’s oldest businesses, R&W Scott and Ramsay, and with sponsorship from other businesses and grant-funding, the festival is now in its fourth year.

“This year, we are further extending the cultural aspect of the event with a larger display of paintings from artists across the local area,” said Jean Douglas, of Carluke Development Trust.

“This will be held in a new venue for the festival – Ramsay’s Piggery.

“Carluke High School is also more involved this year. There will be a music day as well as its evening concert.

“Shine are joining us again this year for an event at Kirkton Church on the Friday evening. Shine are an award-winning performance group, and this is an occasion not to be missed.

“The popular jampionships, with our jam-making, baking and craft competitions, gets more entrants every year. Why not get involved this year and bring your entries to St Athanasius Hall on the Saturday?”

The fun begins on the Thursday with the day centre concerts, ‘jammy afternoon’, judging of primary pupils’ arts competition, Carluke High School music day and its evening concert.

Friday’s programme sees the samba band, the primary schools concert in early afternoon, jam-tasting session in the early evening, Shine, street-level entertainment and live music in local pubs.

And on Saturday, October 1, there is the Boys’ Brigade band, the jampionships, and the jamboree in the afternoon in Ramsay’s Courtyard.

Jean added: “There will be great tastes from Scott’s and Ramsay’s, along with market stalls, live music and face-painters, with a marquee so there are no worries about the weather.

“Children’s rides are in the car park, and the art exhibition is on, and again there is music in the pubs at night.

“We hope everyone enjoys the event, participates and appreciates the talents of the many performers of all ages.”