The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra have just returned from the USA and Canada - and enjoyed their first open-air concert on New York's Broadway.

Every two years the orchestra embarks on a major International Concert Tour and since the 1980s has travelled to USA, Canada, Scandinavia and mainland Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa.

They have performed in prestigious venues such as Sydney Opera House, the White House lawn, the European Parliament and CERN in Geneva.

Many of the Canadian concerts were part of the ‘Canada 150’ celebrations and Montreal’s 175th anniversary, making the events that bit more special.

The Grand Finale of the Tour was in Ayr, Ontario when the orchestra took part in a spectacular celebration of music with Ayr Paris Concert band, Ayr & Cambridge Pipe Band and the Ayr Youth Choir.

Future plans include possible trips to Italy and Spain in 2018 and a major Concert Tour to Japan in 2019.

The Orchestra has earned a much treasured reputation over the years for providing entertainment to many and enabling young Ayrshire musicians some wonderful opportunities and experiences for performing, not only locally, but across the globe and, in doing so, being ambassadors for Ayrshire and for Scots music and culture.

All tuition is free to players and there are no membership fees. A registered Charity, AFO has no paid staff, being entirely run by parents and volunteers. 

You will have the opportunity to hear the orchestra performing in August at Prestwick Prom, the Flower Show and at the Community Showcase in Ayr Gaiety on Saturday August 26. 

The first rehearsal of the new session is in Kingcase Church Hall Prestwick on Saturday August 19 from 1.45pm to 4.30pm - come along and enjoy the fun!