Young Strums perform at Dundonald Music Festival

Jun 15 2012 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S back people.

The Dundonald Music Festival is set to rock the village once more later this month.

And this year looks set to be better than ever, with genres ranging from rock ‘n’ roll and folk plus jam sessions – and even children taking to the stage.

For last May, the people behind the festival decided to encourage younger people to get involved in music.

And over the last year 120 children at Dundonald Primary have been taught basic chords, strumming patterns and finger picking.

The group of music loving kids are called the Young Strums, and they’re about to show off their skills in their first live performance.

For they will take to the stage at the festival in a special concert at Montgomerie Hall on Saturday, June 23.

And Gordon McKee, part of the committee behind the festival, hopes all their friends and family will come along to support them.

He explained: “Everything the kids will play is well known and we’re hoping to get the audience to sing along and help the kids.

“Most of them aren’t used to being on the stage so we’d love it if as many people as possible came to join in.”

Also on the line up are rock acts The Penetrations, Fu Pelt and Stone Pony who will perform on the Friday night.

Folk performers Dr Mango and the Chickpeas will headline the Saturday evening concert.

And the winner of an open stage contest held at 3pm on Saturday will get to support Dr Mango before they take to the stage.

Entrants for the open stage competition must enter beforehand and can do so on the Saturday morning or they can call Gordon on 07939482872.

There will also be open jam sessions and all musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and get involved.

And for when audiences fancy a break from the music, there’s art competitions, Robert Burns recitals, and food and drink galore.

Camping and caravanning space is available for any small donation.

For more information visit www.dundonaldmusicfest.org.uk.