THE sound of live music echoed around Prestwick at the weekend - and residents turned out in big numbers to make the most of it.

After fears were expressed earlier this year that Prestfest 2023 might not happen, a group of enthusiastic volunteers stepped up to make sure the popular music and entertainment festival would return - and it did so in style, showcasing a raft of talent across several venues in the town.

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The annual festival went through some uncertain times this year as a result of a lack of funding, with the original team behind the event saying on March 31 that “due to a lack of funds and resources we have taken the decision to cancel Prestfest 2023”.

The news sparked an angry response from many in the area – and within hours a post on the event’s Facebook page announced that the 2023 event would still be going ahead on the originally scheduled dates.

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A new committee, made up of members Scott Russel, Rikki Mckay, Drew McCormack, Robert Neil, Marty Lawrie, Andy Strachan, Lynn Arnott, Debbie Campbell and Euan Ruddick, stepped forward to take on the mantle of organising the festival - and their hard work paid off in spades, with the sun that shone down on the open-air venue at Boydfield Gardens putting the icing on a particularly delicious cake.

Seen as one of the most important event in the Prestwick calendar, there was something for all the family and the community over the weekend.

Artists on the bill included Cow Cow Boogie, Oasus, The Kinks Experience, The Splinters and Rihanna Reloaded. 

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And there was plenty of local talent on the programme too, including pupils from Prestwick schools, the Ayrshire Music School, the Ayrshire Rock Choir and even a choir composed entirely of Ukrainian singers.

Social media posters were quick to show their admiration to the organisers through their Facebook page.

One said: "Brilliant weekend..thanks to all..I got ma money's worth..cheers."

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While another added: "Fabulous effort… well done on a successful event"

One festival goer commented: "Just a brilliant weekend: Boydfield Gardens, Red Lion, The Vine, The Lido, The Red Lion, The Lido, Boydfield Gardens in that order! Would have been more but we couldn't get in. Many thanks to all."

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Businesses and spaces that hosted the array of entertainment incude Boydfield Gardens, The Buf, Vic's, Red Lion, Jel Bar & Restaurant, Golf Inn, Caprice, Lido, Prestwick Bowling Club, the 65 Club, One Eleven and Taj Bar & Kitchen.

The organisers also paid a special thanks to the team from the New Life Church in the town, which provided volunteer stewards for the festival, adding: "We really appreciate everything you guys do for the Prestwick community."

All photos by Charlie Gilmour