Ewan McVicar brings Pavilion Festival back to Ayr

Ewan McVicar said he is putting on the festival to give back to the people of Ayr

From working in a warehouse to selling out concerts across the world, Ewan McVicar has seen his dreams come true in a way he never expected.

The Ayrshire DJ found global success in 2021 when his version of Rufus and Chaka Khan's 1974 hit, Tell Me Something Good, spent 13 weeks in the Top 40.

For the second year, 30-year-old McVicar will host the successful Pavilion Festival in his hometown.

Over 7,000 fans will gather each day on Ayr's Esplanade to see McVicar perform alongside acts like Patrick Topping, David Morales and Heather Small.

McVicar says that, now in his second year of putting on the festival, he is starting to feel more relaxed and appreciate the event.

"I am taking more in, taking more feedback from people. Year two, how do we keep the buzz up?

"I came up with the slogan 'For the people, for the music'. I wanted people to understand the wider focus.

"We are not here to make money. We are not here to be the biggest festival in the world.

"But if we can deliver an experience people want in Ayr, that's what it's all about."

Despite no longer living in the town, McVicar is a champion for Ayr, even naming his EP Heather Park after the Kincaidston street where he grew up.

Ahead of the 2023 Pavilion Festival, he said it was the music scene in Ayr in the 80s and 90s that influenced his style.

He was influenced by STREETrave, who were behind infamous club nights in Ayr.

Last year's festival saw the promoters perform in Ayr for the first time in 30 years.

They will play this year's festival, celebrating their 35th anniversary.

Pavilion Festival will see 7,000 fans each day gather at Ayr's Low Green

Pavilion festival at Ayr's Low Green will have four stages, a 'rave cave' and a 33m (108ft) observation wheel.

McVicar said it's "a bit surreal still" that he has managed to bring the event to life.

He said: "I am 30 and I've been thinking of this since I was 16.

"I walked down here at the Low Green as a wee guy - the site is beautiful.

"As I've travelled, the one thing I miss is the beach and the sea, so coming back down here is the dream and it's going to come true every year."

South Ayrshire council leader, Cllr Martin Dowie said Pavilion Festival is the "start of our year", alongside events like the Scottish Grand National, the Gold Cup and International Ayr Show.

"This is an anchor event for us," said Cllr Dowie. "It's very important, it puts us back on the map.

"The economic impact for Ayr and South Ayrshire is massive and all credit to the boys for coming here and picking Ayr, we're delighted to host."

Ahead of the weekend's event, McVicar posted on sical media: "The team work endlessly to put all ma mad ideas in ma heed onto the site.

"Get me doon that beach"