Alloa town centre is set to be bustling with activity when Sound Bites Festival rides back into town for its second year on Saturday 28 March, this time with a country and western theme.
Running from 11am to 5.30pm, the free event will bring together live music, local food and drink and a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment along the high street, promising a full day of toe-tapping tunes and stalls bursting with local flavour.
Hosted by Alloa First in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink, with funding from Scotland Food and Drink, the festival aims to celebrate local talent while encouraging people to saddle up and spend time in the town centre supporting local businesses.
Live performances will take place throughout the day on the main stage, with appearances from local schools and community groups. Headlining the bill is World Cup and European Elvis Tribute Champion Johnny Lee Memphis, who will perform two sets: a country set from 1.30pm to 2.10pm, followed by a tribute to the King of Rock n’ Roll from 2.50pm to 3.30pm, bringing a touch of Nashville and Memphis to Alloa’s high street.
Diane Brown of Alloa First said the festival is about bringing people together and shining a spotlight on what the town has to offer.
She said: “Sound Bites is all about celebrating Alloa; our local businesses, our performers and our strong sense of community. We want people to come into the town centre, enjoy a great day out and see just how much is happening locally. With free entertainment, food demos, live music and a host of activities for all ages, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic day.”
Food will play a central role in the event, with market stalls lining the streets offering hot and cold food, off-sales drinks and food-related gifts from local producers and traders.
Visitors can also pull up a seat at the chef’s cookery demonstration area, featuring local chef Billy Campbell alongside guest contributors.
Stacey Spence of Forth Valley Food and Drink said the festival offers a valuable platform for the region’s food and drink producers.
She said: “Events like Sound Bites give local producers a brilliant opportunity to showcase their products and connect directly with the community. Forth Valley has an incredible range of food and drink businesses, and it’s great to see them celebrated in such a fun, accessible way right in the heart of Alloa.”
Families will be well catered for on the day, with a funfair on Mill Street featuring children’s rides, games and bungee trampolines.
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Free children’s activities will include cowboy hat making, edible cactus decorating (using ice cream cones), face painting and glitter tattoos.
Roaming entertainment will keep the atmosphere lively throughout the day, with a balloon modeller and magician, as well as a stilt-walking cowgirl bringing a touch of the Wild West to the town’s streets.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the festival, particularly food and drink businesses or community groups, is encouraged to email info@alloafirst.co.uk
