Hello Girvan.. and Australia
Annual summer attraction Music on The Prom had one of its most successful years to date.
The yearly event, run by Girvan Youth Trust and sponsored by several companies, took place over the course of 11 weeks with visitors from far and wide coming along to participate in the fun.
Each week was packed with entertainment enjoyed by Girvan natives and day- trippers alike. This year saw performances from many well- known bands and tribute acts such as Abba A Rival, Men of Motown, Itchycoo Park, Scotland Rocks, Hotel Caledonia and performers Just Like Eddie and The Barrstools.
The project started six years ago, when a group of volunteers from the Youth Trust decided that it was time to “bring Girvan back” and encourage more tourists to visit the seaside town.
It began as a small event that ran for a couple of weeks per year. Since then, Music on the Prom has expanded thus making it one of Girvan’s signature summer festivities featuring a broad range of live acts and a variety of music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, not to mention the weekly tradition of everyone up dancing the Slosh, Red Hot Salsa and Alley Cat.
During the past 11 weeks, friendships were made, laughs were shared and a real sense of community was established. The programme logo, “A Day at The Seaside, A lifelong Memory” lived up to its expectations as it gave the young a chance to make happy memories of a day beside the shore and there was lots of nostalgia for the young at heart.
However, it wasn’t just those attending who enjoyed the fun as the event’s online live stream was viewed more than an astonishing 28,000 times, with encouraging commentary from as far as Brazil, Mexico, America, Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the UK.
Project Manager Bill Logan MBE said “Music on the Prom is becoming a very friendly atmosphere. We have retained so much support through the attendance. It’s benefiting the town and bringing more people into the town. It’s really boosting tourism. We have been approached by not just tourists, but also by professional bands who have asked to play at Music on the Prom. Some bands have asked to come back and we have some new bands for next year”
“It’s putting Girvan on the Map. People are hearing about Girvan and are coming down to spend the day. Someone also approached me and thanked me for helping them make summer memories.”
Members of the public showed a strong amount of gratitude towards Mr Logan and the effort that was put into this year’s programme.
Matt Dunsmore, of East Kilbride, who, alongside his wife, attended every week, said: “The last 11weeks have been brilliant. I’d be glad to see it next year.”
Jan McCrorie, of Girvan, said: “It’s absolutely superb. Bill Logan has done so much for the town. Music on the Prom caters for so many different tastes and is bringing so many people to the town.”
Music on the Prom is set to take place next year, with some bands already confirmed as part of the line- up.