A COMMUNITY radio station was making waves across Johnstone over the weekend after broadcasting live from the town’s bandstand.

Hundreds of people took part in a fun-filled afternoon on Sunday as Johnstone Sound aimed to reach new audiences in Houstoun Square.

There was plenty of activities on offer for families, who could enjoy facepainting, a close look at three vintage fire engines and a display from the local Ashley Gardner Dance School.

Alex Kerr, founder and chairman of Johnstone Sound, told The Gazette: “It went really well for our first event and we raised around £530, so the support was amazing.

“We were broadcasting live from noon to around 4pm, with each of the members having a 20-minute set to do a bit of music based around their shows.

“We also had a couple of live singers and the weather held off for us as well, which was even better.

“At the end of the day, we just wanted people in the community to be aware there was a local radio station. A lot of people didn’t realise who we were, so it was nice to get us out there so people know we are here.”

Johnstone Sound has played a valuable role in keeping the local community connected by broadcasting live events from various locations since April 2019.

This includes providing live coverage of Johnstone Burgh’s football matches and live services from St Margaret’s Church.

Staffed by a group of around 15 dedicated volunteers, who all broadcast from the own homes, the radio station’s first event was able to go ahead thanks to funding from Arnold Clark and the National Lottery.

Following the success of Sunday’s live broadcast, Alex hopes there will be many similar events in the future.

He said: “Six weeks ago we started arranging this event, as the restrictions were beginning to get lifted a bit more and think it might of been the town’s first proper event.

“We are now working with Johnstone Business Consortium, so we’re hoping to so some other events with them, such as the Johnstone Gala Day.”