A POPULAR music event held annually in Mauchline has raised thousands of pounds once again for charity.

Over the years, TomFest has now raised in excess of £30,000 for various charities, including Alzheimer Scotland, Foundation Scotland, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Parkinson’s UK, Crosshouse Hospital Wellness Suite and Ayrshire Kids Christmas Toy Appeal.

Festival organiser, Tom Murray, has been on a selfless mission to help as many people as he can, since launching the event in 2016.

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Once again supporting the Ayrshire Kids Christmas Toy Appeal (AKCTA) for 2024, the event raised an incredible £5,379.45.

The money will support some of the most vulnerable youngsters in the area around the Christmas period.

Tom initially set up the event to help out for Alzheimer's Scotland, before more charities got in touch and it snowballed into the successful event that it is today.

After another successful year, which was sponsored by Ayrshire company, Land Energy Girvan, attention has already turned to next year's event, which will take place on October 18.

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Paying thanks to all those that supported the event, Tom said: "TomFest24 was a massive success and it was so because of everyone who had a touch in organising, supporting, playing and attending the event.

"There are literally hundreds of you and I can only thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

"[I'll start with] My long suffering and infinitely patient partner and chief raffle person Marie Forsyth.

"The bands, Wildcard, Memphis, The Splinters, The Dirty Jewels, Escapade and Heatseeker, I hope you enjoyed playing as much as we enjoyed listening and dancing.

"Colin, Jamie and Richard of Studio 5 Sound for the absolutely epic sound and back line, PA amps and monitors, you guys put in a 16+ hour day to make this happen and that’s amazing."

Tom added: "I want to especially thank Tracy Lawrence for being my own personal TomFest counsellor not just this year but past years too. You're a star.

"A huge thank you to our main sponsor Land Energy. This event would not be the huge success it is without your support. It is appreciated more than you know.

"My brothers and sisters of Blue Angels MC, Kilmarnock Tigers MCC, Hillbillies MCC, Tribe Glasgow MCC, Flaming Phoenix MCC and Scott Curry,

"The awesome Jacqueline McCaig of the Old Swan Inn, Paisley and Paul Jardine of the Village Inn, East Kilbride, thank you for supporting an event so far from you.

"Gillian Blacker for providing absolutely excellent food, judging by the amount of poly trays all over the hall, you did great again."