THE Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra had a very successful fundraising event the weekend before last with their 24 Hour Sponsored Play In, writes Stewart McConnell.

The Orchestra started the 24 hours playing on the Friday night with a concert involving the whole Orchestra, with around 80 young musicians in Troon Old Parish Church, followed by a very well attended and extremely energetic ceilidh in the church hall.

As midnight approached, the younger players left, with just the senior musicians playing (and singing) continuously through the night along with a small group of parents to support their efforts.

The music continued through the night although when the day shift arrived at 8am on Saturday to take over, the senior musicians kept going.

In fact many of the senior musicians continued playing, without much of a break, for the remainder of the 24 hours – an amazing effort!

The music continued throughout Saturday, entertaining the Saturday coffee morning at the church and even playing Happy Birthday for one member of the congregation who was celebrating their 94th birthday.

A constant stream of passers-by dropped in to enjoy the music throughout Saturday, including MP Philippa Whitford, a great supporter of the Orchestra.

The 24 hours came to an end with a Grand Finale concert on Saturday night, again featuring the whole Orchestra.