A PAIR of Troon DJs are all set to take their talents down to one of the UK's biggest music fesitvals.

Gillies MacDonald and David O'Neill, both 42, are no strangers to Ayrshire crowds.

Gillies is the resident DJ at The Fox in Troon, playing every Friday and Saturday night, and David is the resident DJ at Mulligans in Ayr where he also plays every weekend.

When they're not DJing, Gillies works locally as a labourer while David is employed in customer service at Merck in Irvine.

However, such is their passion for music that both Gillies and David have juggled their day jobs with the perfecting of their art over several years.

And now, thanks to reconnecting with a former school friend, the pair are set to play at Leeds Festival from August 25-27 in what is set to be their largest gig to date.

Lyndsey Templeton attended Marr College with Gillies and David - though they had all been out of touch for years barring the occasional passing in the street.

But it was thanks in part to Lyndsey's job that the trio were reunited.

Ayr Advertiser: Gillies and David during their three days playing in the Four Loko tent at TRNSMT.

Lyndsey explained: "I have been working for a company called Red Star Brands for 18 months on the Four Loko account. We have the rights to distribute our brand in the UK.

"Last year we launched the product at TRNSMT festival, and it was a great success for a new brand. 

"This year we committed to TRNSMT 2023, but we knew we had to go big on our activation to cement our place in the market and the festival scene."

And it was the Glasgow music festival TRNSMT which brought them back together in July of this year.

Lyndsey continued: "In February, I approached Gillies to see if he wanted to be our Four Loko tent DJ, playing to the crowd while they queued for drinks, so there was a party atmosphere.

"I really wanted someone from 'home' getting the opportunity to do this. 

"Initially, he said no, as he was committed to The Fox and couldn’t see it working - he told me to reach out to David. 

"I contacted David completely out the blue as I hadn’t seen him in years. He was interested. 

"After a few texts emails and calls between the three of us, they decided that between them they wanted to do it together. I had my DJs!"

Ayr Advertiser: Gillies and David during their three days playing in the Four Loko tent at TRNSMT.

When July 7 rolled around, everything was in place, and the pair were ready to rock the Glasgow Green festival.

"The boys were so excited as I had been describing last years event to them," Lyndsey added,

"But I could tell they were both nervous to be part of something completely different, and probably out with their comfort zone of playing at night."

There was no need for either to be nervous, as Gillies and David had the crowds jumping at Glasgow Green.

Ayr Advertiser: Gillies and David during their three days playing in the Four Loko tent at TRNSMT.

Lyndsey said: "From the first tune on the Friday afternoon to the last song of their set on the Sunday night, that Four Loko tent was bouncing. 

"The boys fed of the chemistry of the festival goers and the crowd responded by singing, dancing and fist pumping the DJs. 

"They got the songs right, they changed the tempo, mixed up the genres and got it spot on for three days straight.

"Even Live Nation, the organisers, made a point of saying our tent activation was executed to perfection. 

"My Red Star team loved having David and Gillies on site."

Ayr Advertiser: Gillies and David during their three days playing in the Four Loko tent at TRNSMT.

And that was when the idea was born that the pair should be able to spread their wings further.

As soon as the Friday afternoon of TRNSMT, Lyndsey's boss was telling her to get Gillies and David on board for Leeds Fest - where Four Loko will again be promoting.

"After TRNSMT was over, I left it a few days to bring up the subject of Leeds," Lyndsey said.

Ayr Advertiser: Gillies and David during their three days playing in the Four Loko tent at TRNSMT.

"It’s a huge commitment for them. Both have families, day jobs and their own residencies to cover, but this is a big opportunity to do another huge three-day festival.

"After some juggling, both Gillies and David are on board and will be playing the Four Loko tent at Leeds Festival August 2023 - and we all can't wait to do it again."

And it is something that David said he cannot wait for.

He commented: “Doing the Four Loko tent at TRNSMT was something completely different and initially a little daunting.

"However, working with Gillies as a duo made everything easier and it was incredible to share the experience with him. 

"The atmosphere was unreal and you just can’t compare it to your standard Saturday night. 

"We were both blown away by the positivity from everyone, and once we got the call for Leeds – it was an absolute no brainer! 

"We both love what we do and we can’t wait to team up with Lyndsey and the Four Loko team again.”