SAUCHIE’S first ever music fest has been hailed a success by its organiser after hundreds of locals basked in glorious sunshine.

Sauchie Community Group threw the day of celebration on Saturday, June 9, free of charge as a way to allow the area’s residents to have a fun community day on their doorstep.

Craig Miller, who is the co-chair of organisation, told the Advertiser that the day went as well as they could have hoped for – with the added bonus of having fabulous sunshine to help.

He said: “It was definitely a success. We had a steady flow of people throughout the day which topped between 300 and 500 over the whole three hours.”

Craig added that the community group had been raising money continually through the year with the vision of throwing events like this free of charge for residents.

The festivities were held on the grounds of Sauchie and Coalsnaughton parish churches and there really was something for everyone who went along.

For the children – or young at heart – there was face painting, balloon art and a load of arts and crafts tables where children could get their hands messy while their parents enjoyed themselves.

In the background there was a constant stream of local talent giving the event their finest musical notes including the Sauchie Community Choir and Sheila McRobert singing.

The father and son band of Michael and Phil Morrison gave the locals a further treat before Donald Cowan showed off his piping skills.

Craig also revealed that the community group would be throwing another shindig in the coming months to celebrate the group being awarded the Queen’s Award for voluntary services – the highest honour for volunteering.

He said: “The reaction has been very positive since it was announced that we would be receiving the award.

"Everyone is absolutely over the moon with that after all the hard work we have all put in.”

Craig also wished to pay tribute to the army of volunteers and helpers who made Saturday’s event so special for the whole local community.

He said: “I would like to extend a big thanks to all of the committee for all their efforts, hard work and support and for everything they do for the group.”