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.
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
For event updates follow @AlloaFirst’s social media channels.
Media contact:
lesley.wilkinson@stirlingpr.com
07826522517
