Troon will reap cash rewards during festival

Aug 3 2012 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TROON is set to reap a huge economic boost this month when Live@Troon hits the town.

The festival is now in its third year and will take place from Thursday, August 30 until Sunday, September 2 at venues throughout the town.

While big name musicians such as headliners The View are the star attraction, the festival also has many other events to keep visitors and locals entertained.

For the first time a comedy fringe event will be held as well as a film evening on the Sunday at the South Beach Hotel.

Like last year’s event there will also be a variety of free workshops held on the Saturday including Jo Jingles, a fun and educational event for young children plus drumming and songwriting master classes.

These events are sure to attract large crowds from Troon itself as well as people coming into the town.

Festival chairman Stephen Vallance is excited ahead of the kick-off in a few weeks time.

He enthused: "It is great to see so many people keen to get involved in putting on this event.

"The purpose of the event since it started was to extend the summer season in Troon and ensure events are always happening in the town".

He added: "Music always attracts people and this time we're giving it four days – people come into the town and more Troon people come out than normal.

"Places such as Fullarton's and Scott’s have said the Live@Troon weekend is their busiest ever and I really think the whole town is going to get another boost.”

With many venues across the town hosting live events, businesses are sure to get a welcome busy period.

Stewart Watt is the manager of the South Beach Hotel. He said: "I am always happy to be involved with Live@Troon.

"It's a great thing for the town and it brings people out into Troon which is always nice to see".

He added: "Obviously I hope to see an upturn but we're always busy at this time of year anyway but if people see Troon at it's sunny best and decide to come back then that's fantastic.”

For more information on the Live@Troon weekend, visit www.liveattroon.com or go to the Live@Troon Facebook page.