Area: East Ayrshire

The Category East Ayrshire is a subset of Southern Scotland.

‘Founded by composer Sir James MacMillan, The Cumnock Tryst brings some of the world's greatest musicians into local venues, churches and halls, with the community at the heart of all of its activities ... Tryst is an old Scots word which means a meeting place, or a romantic rendezvous. The town of Cumnock itself ties into this sense of coming together as its Gaelic name, comunn achadh, means place of the confluence, as the town sits where the Glaisnock River and the Lugar Water meet.’ Held Early October.

‘Mixed-voice community choir ... with almost 70 members. We sing a wide variety of music including musicals, pop, ballads, movie music, folk music, classical, sacred, opera, spirituals and light jazz. We are a friendly group of people who love to sing while raising money for local and national charities.'

'The Choir can trace its roots back to 1933 when it was formed as an evening class under the control of the local Education Authority. Members paid a fee of 7/6d (37p) to the Authority and the same amount as an annual subscription ... The Choir continues in good heart but we are always conscious of the need to attract new and particularly younger members. To this end we have operated a Scholarship scheme for some years whereby senior pupils at local schools are paid to sing with us for a year as an introduction to choral singing. It is hoped that this will plant some seeds which will come to fruition in the future. We give a number of concerts each year in aid of local charities, church organisations, etc, and the highlight of our year is our Annual Concert when we are helped by guest professional soloists.'

‘A lively group who enjoy bringing Musical Theatre to Ayrshire and we are always looking for new members aged 16 and over to join us. New member auditions are held on a yearly basis ... Please prepare a song from a musical of your choice and bring sheet music for piano accompaniment or a backing track ... A playing member of the society allows you to perform in the annual show held in March, the KAOS Concert Party as well as any social and fundraising events that take place throughout the year.’

'The band exists at present as a Community Band, with the focus being on playing at local engagements, holding concerts and providing musical entertainment for the people of Ayrshire. As a non-competing band, players are able to come along and play even if they are registered with other competing bands.'