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MugStock calls itself a ‘Festival of Music and Merriment for All Ages’, and first took place in July 2015. A year later, after what the volunteer organisers call ‘a steep learning curve’, the 2016 festival was a huge success.

It attracted an audience of 1,381 (a 93% increase on the previous year!), featured over 150 local performers, including a pipe band, choir and circle dance group, and national and international acts across five stages.

The organisers recruited, trained and managed over 70 other volunteers to help run the event, and gave free access to disadvantaged and minority groups, via partners including Refuwegee and Sense Scotland.

They provided a platform for young performers from creative charities Toonspeak and PEEK, and local children helped create the décor.

Grants of over £50,000 were raised, plus sponsorship from local businesses and a  partnership with Sustrans and Maklab, resulting in bicycle-powered interactive sculptures. They fundraised  £7,000 to install new drainage in the park, improving this resource for everyone, and giving the festival a venue for its family activities.

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www.mugstock.org | www.facebook.com/mugstock