CATRINE Bank hosted the inaugural Music in the Meadow event last Thursday.

Local bands and musicians volunteered to perform at the autism-friendly music festival, which took place at the centre on the outskirts of Catrine.

It is owned and managed by The National Autistic Society Scotland, whose chief executive Mark Lever was among the guests.

More than 50 autistic people are supported by living and day opportunities services at Catrine Bank and Daldorch House School.

Family members were invited to attend and enjoyed the festival which also included a barbecue, face painting and games.

A group singalong to popular Scottish song, The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles, brought the event to a rousing finish.

Kevin Fullerton, manager at The National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “We want to give autistic people the opportunity to have new and exciting experiences. Attending a music festival is a summer tradition, so we decided to hold one in our own back yard.

“That’s one of the benefits of being surrounded by nearly five hectares of beautiful countryside.”

In order to ensure the autistic audience was able to enjoy the festival, the charity provided a quiet area and helped them to prepare in advance using social stories, pictorial descriptions of what to expect, the benefits of attending, and things that could be challenging.

The charity hopes that Music in the Meadow will now become an annual event.