Whitburn Band have been rehearsing their performance, helped by Sir James MacMillan who has travelled to the West Lothian town over the last two Sundays.

Band manager Charlie Farren, who has worked with the Cumnock composer in the past, explained the latest connection which has resulted in their collaboration for the Tryst’s opening concert.

Mr Farren said: “We played one of his compostions, Canite Tuba, at the European Championships in Perth, and had got in touch to ask his help in playing the piece.

“Now it is one of three which we will be playing in the first half of Thursday’s performance, and will be conducted by Sir James, while we will be playing it along with another two pieces at the British Championship a week on Saturday.” There has been a band in Whitburn for more than 130 years and, with the growth of mining, it became essentially a miners’ band, and the current crop are looking forward to opening the Tryst.

“This is a big concert for a lot of the band’s members, who will be playing with Sir James for the first time, and we are all looking forward to it,” said Mr Farren Cumnock Tryst full programme: Thursday, October 1 — Cumnock Town Hall, 7.30pm, The Whitburn.

Friday, October 2 — Cumnock Academy, 12.30pm, songs and compositions by young local musicians who attended workshops with Sir James in August.

Dumfries Arms, 5pm, The Cumnock Hour, a discussion with Sir James, folk singer Jo Mango and more. Chaired by writer and broadcaster Muriel Gray.

Trinity Church, 7.30pm, the world famous King’s Singers.

Saturday, October 3 — St John’s Church, 11.30am, pianist Martin Bartlett.

John’s Church, 4pm, Cellist Laura van der Heijden, whose programme includes the world premiere of New Cumnock’s Jay Capperauld’s piece.

Cumnock Old Church, 7.30pm, Cumnock Festival Chorus with Genesis Sixteen, Hebrides Ensemble and NYOS.

Dumfries Arms, 9.30pm, The Whistlebinkies with local poem Rab Wilson.

Sunday, October 4 — Dumfries House, 5pm, Festival finale.

Plus the festival club, which runs in the Dumfries Arms, from 9.30pm till late on Thursday and Friday.