A Musical Celebration of the Coalfields

The Cumnock Tryst has been awarded a major grant to work with local communities to create a musical celebration of their own heritage, culture and environment.

The project is part of the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership for which East Ayrshire Council raised £2,220,500 through the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership is made up of 22 projects, all working to benefit the people and the area.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive such strong support from the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership and National Lottery Heritage Fund for our ambitious, musical celebration of the coalfields. It will make possible a two-year-long creative project with community groups, music organisations and young people from across the area. The Cumnock Tryst exists because of the communities in East Ayrshire so we are delighted that investment from such an extraordinary grant can now have a positive impact on so many lives. Huge thanks to the National Heritage Lottery Fund and all of you who play the National Lottery.” - Sir James MacMillan, Artistic Director – The Cumnock Tryst

The Musical Celebration of the Coalfields, created and led by The Cumnock Tryst, will involve around 15 local community groups who will be at the heart of every part of writing, composing, producing and performing their stories. It will involve industry professionals in the field of opera and music theatre to bring production, logistics, stage direction and technical skills to the project. With significant experience of working with community groups and with the musical direction of Sir James MacMillan, The Cumnock Tryst will draw on a wide range of knowledge and resources to ensure the highest quality experience for all participants and the creation of a truly spectacular community musical.

Two major productions will then be performed in Barony Hall, the new Robert Burns Academy concert hall, as a highlight of The Cumnock Tryst festivals in October 2021 and 2022.

This is an opportunity for local people to be involved in writing, composing, set design, costume design, set building, costume making, lighting and performing both on the stage or in the band of musicians.

Community and creativity are at the heart of The Cumnock Tryst. We know that every individual has the capacity to create something new, often in ways which might be hitherto unimaginable. The Musical Celebration of the Coalfields will give community groups across Cumnock and Doon Valley the opportunity to create a piece of music theatre reflecting their own response to their landscape, social history, community, people and place.