HUNDREDS of people descended on Peebles last Sunday to hear the sounds of a community music school.

Locals and visitors alike visited Nomad Beat in Cavalry Park for an open day to showcase the work that goes on at the charity.

And they were greeted throughout the day by a number of bands playing in the gazebo outside the premises.

The musical styles ranged from Bluegrass, through to traditional music and rock. Plus Peebles-based business Risotto2Go provided food for the hungry visitors.

Inside the building, there were opportunities to sample the teaching at Nomad Beat with try-out sessions for all kinds of instruments with the tutors who teach there.

People were also able to view the rooms that are available to hire and to see the other projects that Nomad Beat are currently trying to get funding for. These include 'Musical Memories' for dementia sufferers and 'Mind The Music!', a musical group for mental well-being.

One attendee said they had a fantastic day at the school.

They added: “My daughter had a fab time trying different instruments. She loves the ukulele and especially the piano, she definitely wants to sign up for lessons. All the bands were great too.”

Ruth Kirby, office administrator at Nomad Beat, told the Peeblesshire News: “It was a really good day - thoroughly enjoyable and very worthwhile.

"We now have a big list of prospective new pupils and have raised the profile of our work here to create opportunities for all through affordable musical education.

"I particularly enjoyed our Tutors’ Band who do not usually play together, but today showed their pupils what excellent musicians they are.”