Alloa town centre enjoyed a surge of visitors as Sound Bites Festival returned on Saturday 28 March, delivering a day of live music, street food and family entertainment with a country and western twist.
The free to attend event organised by Alloa First, with support from Forth Valley Food and Drink and funding from Scotland Food & Drink, drew crowds throughout the day, with around 1500 locals and visitors turning out to support businesses and producers across the town centre.
Market stalls lined the high street, showcasing a wide range of regional food and drink, community organisations and makers, while live performances and entertainment including a bucking bronco challenge created a lively, festival atmosphere.
Headline act Johnny Lee Memphis, a World Cup and European Elvis Tribute Champion, drew strong crowds with his country set and tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, while local schools and community groups helped deliver a packed programme of live music on the main stage.
Diane Brown of Alloa First said the event delivered a strong boost for the town. She said: “Sound Bites is all about bringing people into Alloa and giving them a reason to stay, shop and explore. We saw a fantastic turnout on the day, with real engagement across the high street. Events like this play an important role in supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant town centre.”
Food and drink remained at the heart of the festival, with local producers benefiting from direct sales and face-to-face engagement with customers.
Stacey Spence of Forth Valley Food and Drink said: “Sound Bites provides a valuable platform for our local producers to showcase their products and connect with new customers.
“The response from visitors was hugely positive and it was clear there’s a strong appetite for high-quality, local food and drink. Events like this help build awareness and support for the sector at a grassroots level.”
Festival goers also took part in chef demonstrations led by local chef Billy Campbell, highlighting how local ingredients can be used in accessible, everyday cooking.
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food for Scotland Food & Drink added: “Regional events like Sound Bites are vital in strengthening Scotland’s food and drink sector.
“They create opportunities for producers to grow their customer base while encouraging communities to support local.
You Might Also Like:
“It’s a great example of how collaboration can deliver real impact on the ground and connect people more closely with the food and drink on their doorstep.”
Alongside the food and music, family-friendly attractions and street entertainment helped ensure strong footfall across the town throughout the day.
