MENSTRIE kicked off their gala season with the annual Music in the Park, with visitors enjoying a full range of musical talent all day long.

Held on Saturday, June 1, the event drew in bands from across Clacks and beyond including Leona Heens and her niece Emily McPherson and Alva Academy student Callum Stewart.

Local steel pipe band Saltire Steel were also on hand to close the evening.

James Bull, from Menstrie Community Council, was delighted with the successful occasion to mark the start of gala week in the town.

He said: “Last Saturday Menstrie come together to relax in the sun, have a picnic and listen to our Music in the Park bands.

“We have several professional bands, Rewind Duo, Nae Danger, Dylan Wood and Delta Snipers who were awesome, and we would highly recommend them all.

“Leona Hens who sang last year came back to us again and sung with her niece Emily MacPherson, a local resident, who played violin.

“Leona had the audience up and dancing in the hot sunshine.

“From the local Alva Academy, we saw Callum Stewart playing guitar for his first ever gig and Taking Back July who performed an upbeat set following on from last years excellent performance.

“And finally we saw Saltire Steel perform our closure with the steel drum performance of instantly recognisable hits.

“Thank you everyone for attending, which was close to 500 local residents.

“In Menstrie we are in the middle of our Gala week, with our main Gala Day and Tartan parade on Saturday. Fingers crossed the sun will make an appearance then too.

“Menstrie Community Council would like to thank ALL our volunteers, acts and suppliers for helping to make a fabulous day. Same again next year?"