ALMOST 100 people turned out for the official launch of the fifth Cumnock Tryst on Tuesday, June 5.

The evening kick-off with a set from the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) Jazz ambassadors before Sir James MacMillan took to the stage to announce the programme for 2018.

Notable highlights include the world premiere of Sir James’s brand new oratorio, a set from Mercury Prize nominee C Duncan and a finale concert from world-renowned choir The Sixteen.

Looking forward to the autumn festival, Sir James said: “It is with immense excitement that we reach our fifth festival in October this year. It has been wonderful observing how the Tryst has put down roots in the communities in and around Cumnock since we started in 2014.

“This year’s programme is a cause for celebration, and I think local audiences and our many visitors will be profoundly affected by the music and performances in the festival this year. It’s important for people in Ayrshire to book early as there are various concerts which will sell out.”

The programme also revealed several events engaging with the local community including a 10 week project with Doon Academy to create music and dance performances called The Chronicles of Cumnock, a promenade concert as part of the Tryst that includes bell ringers and singers from Greenmill Primary School, and the involvement of other local musical groups such as the Dalmellington Band and Festival Chorus at this year’s Tryst.

After the speech, the NYOS Jazz Ambassadors took to the stage again for another set to round off the evening.