Mr Goose Resilience Festival

With art demonstrations, live music performances, sports activities and outdoor resilience workshops, our free* family-friendly festival is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy!

Art Demonstrations

Louise McBride, the artist behind the illustrations of Mr Goose will be in the Pavilion Gallery demonstrating the painting of a local scene in soft pastel. The original Mr Goose illustrations will be on display in the gallery and there will also be the opportunity for budding illustrators to create their very own characters. (Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, 10am-1pm )

In addition to Louise's work, we are delighted to welcome The Little Art School on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, 2pm-5pm. They will be leading creative design workshops inspired by Mr Goose and the local landscapes of Alloway and Doonfoot.

Live Music

The festival will showcase the musical talents of some incredible young local artists and groups, including The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra who will be performing live excerpts of the Mr Goose soundtrack along with an additional entertainment programme. You can watch the live performances throughout the day in the surroundings of Burns Cottage and Smallholding.

Sports Activities

Take the risks and reap the rewards!

Try your hand at the Pitch & Putt with the South Ayrshire Golf team. The further you move from the target, the more points scored.

Or step up to take a penalty with the team from Cambusdoon and Ayr United Football Academy. Where is your best shot at scoring? Do you take a risk and aim high? Or play it straight down the middle?

Follow our orienteering trail led by South Ayrshire Active Schools to find all of the Mr Goose characters! Once you find them, scan the QR codes to find out more about the character, hear their theme tune and strike a pose to be just like them!

Birds of Prey

Meet the real-life Hector Hawk! On Saturday 4th June we will be joined by KG Hawks and on Sunday by Hoots Owls who will give our visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Birds of Prey. There will be a cost of £3.00 per handling session with the birds.

Outdoor Resilience

Join the RBBM Learning Manager and Head Gardener who will take groups for sessions of den building, pond dipping, bug hunting and wildflower seed planting. This outdoor resilience workshop is sure to connect you to the grounds and surroundings of Burns Cottage. Workshops start on the hour (last workshop at 4PM).

Festival Café

Take a break in our festival café located within the Pavilion Red Room to replenish your energy levels to enjoy the festival.

Mr Goose

Learn more about Mr Goose by visiting the website - click here

Or to purchase your own copy of the book - click here

Who is Mr Goose?

Mr Goose is a book written by local author, Grant Kennedy, and is set on and around the River Doon. This is a short story for both young and old with many layers to enjoy. As Mr Goose takes the risk to leave Burns Cottage and find a new home at Brig o Doon, it is hoped that the theme of the book will prompt discussions about the importance of taking risks, whilst developing an understanding of personal resilience.

The creation of this festival is themed around "Risk & Reward" which is demonstrated throughout the story. The festival is aligned with the school programme which is available on the Government learning portal "Glow" which includes free resources for all schools in South Ayrshire.