A FEAST of international talent will be on display in South Ayrshire as the Ayr Concert Series celebrates its 30th anniversary in style.

From October 28 2016 to March 31 2017, six professional orchestral concerts will be performed in Ayr Town Hall and the line-up promises to deliver the very best music, led by the cream of international conductors.

And two of the six events which are arranged by volunteers from Ayr Arts Guild for South Ayrshire Council, are being recorded for national radio broadcasts.

The series features three visits by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, two of which are being recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3, two from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and one by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera. The programme includes performances of Beethoven, Vaughan Williams,

Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev at Christmas, Strauss at New Year, and Elgar. The last event in March 31 will feature world renowned conductor, Sir James MacMillan.

Councillor Bill Grant, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure said this year’s programme was one of the best on offer: “The concerts have become a firm favourite with music lovers from South Ayrshire and further afield, and I’m glad to see such a strong line-up for this milestone anniversary.

“With conductors such as Sir James MacMillan coming to perform at the Town Hall you can be sure that the quality of the concerts will be first-class, with something on offer to cater for most tastes.

“I’m looking forward to the concerts getting under way and hope that local people get behind the event to help make this year one of the best on record.”

Jim Coutts, Chairman of Ayr Arts Guild added: “It’s hard to believe the concerts were established three decades ago, but it’s fair to say they’ve become a popular fixture.

“The acoustics in Ayr Town Hall are a big part in the reason that we continue to attract leading performers from across the world, which is something that’s helped us build an enviable reputation across Scotland. We’re hoping for a bumper year and we’d love to see a few new faces among our long standing fans when the concerts begin in October.”

Season tickets are now on sale, which offer savings of up to £12. Brochures containing details of all concerts in the Ayr Concert Series 2015/16 are available from all Ayrshire libraries, Ayr Town Hall, Ayr Tourist Information Office, and from the South Ayrshire Events section.