Prestfest will be music to our ears
Massive festival to showcase 110 acts
More than 100 acts are to take centre stage during a three day festival of live music in Prestwick this weekend.
Thousands will flock to the town as venues throw open their doors to the 72-hour spectacular.
Prestfest returns after a one year lockdown absence with organisers pledging to deliver their “biggest and best” event yet.
Twelve venues across the town – anchored by a live stage at Boydfield Gardens – will welcome music lovers of all ages.
And there will be performers to suit all tastes as everything from rock to pop and acoustic to folk finds a home.
Organiser Scott Russell had paid tribute to the town for pulling together to make the event possible.
Scott, 43, said: “When it became clear that Covid restrictions were lifting, we spoke to the venues and they were up for making this work.
“We’ve managed to pull everything together in about three weeks and it’s been a great effort.
“There are around 110 acts coming from as far afield as Carlisle and it’s going to be a real festival flavour.
“I’ve been to Glastonbury and what strikes you about there is that town isn’t any bigger than Prestwick.
“But when their festival is on, every street corner has musicians playing and the vibe is incredible.
“That’s what we want to recreate here... to have people literally running with their guitars from one venue to the next to play their next gig.”
From tribute acts to up and coming originals, Prestfest will showcase a thriving music scene bursting to get back on the stage following 18 months in lockdown.
Scott added: “We’ve been doing this now since 2011 and each year it seems to get bigger and better.
“But there’s a real excitement this time with everyone getting back out and enjoying their favourite venues.
“Everything is totally free and you don’t need a ticket – it’s three fabulous days of entertainment for all ages.
“We also owe a big thanks to our main sponsors Thistle Cabs and the Kitchen Depot Ayr for some great backing and helping this year’s event get off the ground.”
Prestfest has teamed up with Cash 4
Kids to raise money at this year’s event for the worthy cause.
Boydfield Gardens will also be dedicated to a large number of charities and organisations.
Musician Debbie Campbell has helped organise a huge range of stalls that will be on hand.
Debbie, who is part of The Splinters, said: “There will be all sorts from Whiteleys Retreat to Caledonian Youth Club so we can’t wait to see the place bustling.
“Music is food for the soul and we’ve all missed it so much over lockdown.”