A GROUP of Ayr students has taken to the stage to perform at two major European music festival

Christie Oliver and The Monocasters performed in front of a 10,000-strong crowd at La Fête de la Musique in Aix-en-Provence, while Karla Rose & The West End Trio and solo act Eve Davidson performed at the Immecke Festival near Cologne in Germany.

All are students at the University of the West of Scotland's campus in Ayr.

The opportunity to perform at these festivals were provided by EuroGig. EuroGig is a long-running initiative which gives university students the opportunity to play abroad as well as allowing European students to perform in the UK. 

Allan Dumbreck, senior lecturer of music, art, performance and international development at UWS, said: "Studying music at UWS is a truly international experience, and the long-running EuroGig programme is a perfect example of this.

"Performing in front of audiences of this size can be daunting, but our students took the stage with confidence, and were incredibly well received."

The performances round off the largest set of EuroGig exchanges, with eleven acts from five nations playing internationally.

Singer-songwriter and commercial music student Christie Oliver said: "I’ve had a lot of opportunities to perform my music live throughout my time at UWS, but playing my first European gig has been a real highlight.

"It was an incredible experience, and it honestly feels surreal to know that it happened. I’m grateful to all involved in making it happen."

Reagan Lyle from The Monocasters added: "I think, as a performer, you always have aspirations of playing abroad, but logistically it can be difficult to do.

"I am beyond delighted to have been able to do so. This has been an unforgettable experience, and one that I have learned so much from.”

Clement Gay, EuroGig co-ordinator in France, said: "Eurogig is a truly rewarding experience for young musicians to develop their network and promote their music on an international scale.

"It is also a valuable way to discover different cultures and acquire human and technical skills for the students involved in the project."