Published: Friday, 9th July, 2010 9:30am

Live and Kicking in Auchinleck

AUCHINLECK will host its first ever 'Alive and Kicking' Music and Arts Festival this August.

And Auchinleck Community Development Initiative (ACDI), who have organised the fantastic weekend of concerts and community activities, hope to bring the village back to its former glory days of sound.

The event kicks off in style on the Friday August 6 with a concert featuring the Macdonald Brothers, ex-Bay City Roller Eric Faulkner and the Simple Touch.

On Saturday August 7 there will be a jam-packed day of entertainment with 'free' music concerts around town featuring talented local and regional artists; Bletherskyte, Joan Outram, The Hot Toddies and an array of Bluegrass, Country and Western, Traditional and Folk musicians.

The Macdonald Brothers, playing live in Auchinleck

The day will also feature the official opening of the town's Community Trim Trail, an Arts and Crafts exhibition (including a special gallery of children's work), the Jackie Scarlett first round tie between Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors, Funfair Rides and two showcase concerts featuring Skerryvore, Borealis and Bobby McCallum plus a youth based concert featuring the La Fontaines, the Symptoms and a DJ set from MILKY.

The weekend event will reach a crescendo on Sunday August 8 with an Ecumenical Church service, the Auchinleck Gala Day at Beechwood Park (great range of family entertainment and 'live' sets from the Ghosties and Inde Code) and a festival finale concert- dinner/dance with Abbamania, David Burrows as Jon Bon Jovi and Sonix.

Auchinleck was a key music destination for many fine acts during the 1960's including; The Who, Jeff Beck, The Move, The Troggs, Tom Jones and even Pink Floyd.

The halcyon days may be a distant memory but ACDI spokesperson Councillor Neil McGhee believes the town still has a bright future.

Mr McGhee said "We hope that over the next few years we can recreate some of these golden moments with great performances from exciting local, national and international acts.

"The ethos of the ACDI is to promote the regeneration of Auchinleck and to do everything we can to shine a positive light on the good things the town has to offer, and in doing so attract many visitors to the area and help to boost the local economy."

Councillor Jim Roberts added: "Auchinleck and the surrounding area has so much potential as far as tourism is concerned with Dumfries House, the Barony 'A' Frame and Auchinleck Estate all within a few miles. The 'Alive and Kicking' festival receives cross-party support and I would like to congratulate the ACDI for their vision and determination to stage such a wonderful variety of events."

The organisers would like to thank all the local businesses and companies for their financial and in-kind support and give special thanks to the Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust (Main Sponsor), The Railway Hotel, Auchinleck Indoor and Outdoor Bowling Clubs, The Market Inn, The Boswell Arms, Auchinleck Talbot FC and the Darvel Music Company for managing the whole project.

Tickets are on sale on from today (Wednesday July 7) and can be purchased at either the Railway Hotel or on-line via PayPal at www.auchinleckfestival.co.uk. Other contacts for tickets will soon be available - see website for further details.