lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

‘Our Arts Festival's origins were ... as a small, one day book festival which was very successful. Then, after the first two years, other arts organisations requested to take part. The festival then grew to last over a weekend and now it has grown to be a multi week programme. We aim to offer a varied and inclusive programme of arts for all ages. Not only do we invite some well-known artists to come and share with us their talent and experience, we recognise the huge artistic talent within our community and the Festival strives to showcase these members of our village.’

www.starlightyouthmusictheatre.co.uk

'Theatre company which was established in 2002 for young people aged between 3 and 19 years ... In our classes we are constantly working towards the next performance in which we aim to achieve the highest standards possible ... In our Performance Classes you will be trained in all aspects of musical theatre. Every student is given the chance to take part in fully staged musicals and to perform in concerts and cabarets. In addition to this, each child receives individual singing coaching to help towards their solo performances.'

www.arklestonsingers.org.uk

‘We are a small SATB choir based in Paisley ... and have a reputation for singing a very mixed repertoire. We are an adventurous choir which is keen to let our audiences hear music with which they may not be familiar but we programme this alongside more popular works. Our own annual concert in May regularly features works by living composers which are Scottish, European or, occasionally, world premières. These concerts are usually accompanied by the Arkleston Chamber Ensemble.’

www.johnstoneband.co.uk

‘Brass Band based in Johnstone, near Glasgow. The band has been playing since 1834; one of the oldest brass bands still playing in Scotland ... We play in several contests and concerts a year and also participate in various local events such as Remembrance Services and Gala Days.’

www.operabamba.co.uk

'Semi-professional opera company ... With the aim of bringing opera to Paisley and the surrounding area, Opera Bamba is hoping contribute to Paisley's bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. The company was started to give emerging singers and production crew the chance to work in a professional enviroment and the opportunity to perform full length operas on stage. There are many routes and ways in which Opera Bamba is hoping to develop and grow, particularly in encouraging the involvement of the next generation in opera and the performing arts in general, as well as outreach projects and collaboration with other local arts groups.'

www.paisleyphilharmonicchoir.co.uk

'The Choir has grown to its present strength of approximately 90 members, covering a wide age range and drawing people mainly from the Renfrewshire area but also much further afield from Hamilton in the East to Gourock in the West and from Bearsden in the North to Ayr in the South. The Choir presents three concerts each year ... In addition the Choir has presented many concerts in aid of charity ...'

www.renfrewburghband.co.uk

‘One of the few bands still playing in the Renfrewshire area. We perform at local gala days, churches and ceremonies such as the Remembrance Day Service.  We also give regular concerts, organise fundraising events, perform carolling events and participate in brass band contests throughout the country.’

www.stjamesorchestra.org.uk

‘The Orchestra gives at least two concerts each year. Repertoire includes both traditional works from the concert platform and newer or more unusual works, including many premières. The ethos is “music making for fun” and the atmosphere friendly and welcoming. If you play an orchestral instrument, or even if you just like orchestral music ... find out who we are, what we play and how to join us!’

thomascoatschoral.org.uk

‘Founded in 1980, the members rehearse from January for a performance in March each year. In the beautiful architectural setting of the Thomas Coats Memorial Church, accompanied by professional orchestra and soloists, we have sung many of the major choral works ... Although our concerts have now moved to Paisley Abbey, we still rehearse in the lower hall of Thomas Coats Memorial Church.’