Area: South Ayrshire

‘Ayr Jazz Club, founded in 2005, is a warm and friendly group of people with a common interest in keeping jazz alive. The club has over 100 members who ... have had the pleasure of listening to a varied range of bands from Dixieland to New Orleans and Trad, as well as music from the 1920 - 30's.’

‘An annual festival held in Ayr, celebrating music, dance and speech and drama through participation in competitive and non-competitive events.’ Held Mid March. 

'Since 1955 people in Ayrshire have been given the opportunity to enjoy the exceptional talent of musicians from the UK, Europe and other parts of the world. This season Ayr Music Club is again presenting a series of concerts showcasing a diverse range of professional classical musicians, with a strong focus on home-grown Scottish talent.'

‘Although an amateur company, AAOC endeavours to present shows to a high standard. To this end our productions are performed in a professional theatre, scenery is hired from professional suppliers as are our costumes. The members of the orchestra are all professional musicians and the Director and Musical Director are both employed by the Company ... The Company's title is something of a misnomer because we no longer present opera or operetta and have for many years concentrated on musicals ... We are totally self-funding and if we do make some profit on a production, then that money is distributed to local and national charities.’

‘A friendly and enthusiastic choir of about 80 members, who meet weekly to rehearse, socialise and enjoy singing a wide range of wonderful choral music ... Our conductor ... enables us to achieve the highest standard of performance and enjoyment in the three concerts we perform a year, usually in Ayr Town Hall. In October, and at Christmas we are accompanied by organ, brass or jazz ensembles; and in the spring we enjoy working with a full professional orchestra Professional soloists join us for several of our concerts.’

'Membership is free and is open to all string and percussion players and the principle is that you learn “on the job”. Beginners are not expected to be able to fiddle at a fast and furious pace when they join – but it is amazing how they soon pick it up! The self-confidence that these young players acquire over a short period of months is incredible and they are soon seamlessly merging with the older players ... The Orchestra has several regular concerts and a large number of invitational performances throughout the year.'

'Formed on the 4th March 1869. It is felt that the Band originally was formed as a works band at a time when the iron furnaces at Waterside were in full production. The band has always been self supporting. Through fundraising, local authority grants and the band's patronage scheme, the high standards of Dunaskin Doon Band are maintained and its future ensured. Dunaskin Doon Band has played at many venues over the years ...'

'Built in 1827 incorporating a magnificent steeple rising 225 feet which still dominates the skyline of Ayr Town Centre. The Town Hall can hold up to 700 people and is now used as a regular fantastic venue for many shows and events.' The restored 1904 Lewis & Co organ was awarded a Grade1 “Historic Organ Certificate” in 2013.