AN EMERGING Scottish band will perform at a preview event for this year’s Cumnock Tryst.

Kilda, three of the finest young musicians on the current music scene, will play at the event in the Dumfries Arms Hotel on Tuesday, May 16, at 6pm.

Although it is free of charge, entry is by ticket only and these are available on a first come, first served basis — e-mail info@thecumnocktryst.com or phone 07788 618652 to book.

The programme for Cumnock Tryst 2017 will be announced on the evening with Sir James MacMillan once again in the role of artistic director.

He said: “ Kilda have created a lively and energetic sound combining tunes and songs from their Scottish roots.

“Collectively Kilda consists of two BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalists, a winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and have also toured with Manran, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Scott Wood Band, Norrie MacIver Band and Fat-Suit.

“On the days around the launch the band will be making visits to Auchinleck, New Cumnock and Netherthird primary schools, St Thomas’s church hall in Muirkirk and Cumnock’s YipWorld project to spread the entertainment and information about the Tryst.”

Sir James added that the festival chorus, which has performed twice already at the Tryst, will play a bigger part this year.

“We are organising a singing day for secondary school choristers in June, and we are also holding a Come and Sing Day on Saturday, June 17, at Trinity Church in Ayr Road.

“This will be an enjoyable day of singing led by our festival chorus master, Andrew McTaggart, ending with a short informal sharing at a concert for friends and family.

“Andrew has worked with Scottish Opera and Caledonian Voices and will be exploring classic and contemporary repertoire in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

“All are welcome, both singers and non-singers who’d like to have a go. Ideally you should be able to read music, but we’ll help if you can’t,” he said.

While Come and Sing Day is free, numbers are limited, e-mail chorus@thecumnocktryst.com or call 0778 861652 to reserve a place in advance.

It all starts at 10:30am on the day when those taking part will collect their music before two hours of singing between 11am and 1pm.

Following a lunch hour — refreshments will be provided, but please bring a packed lunch — singing will resume until 3:30pm.

There will then be a 30-minute break with the informal concert scheduled to start at 4pm.