IT started in a wee village hall in 2008, with a handful of friends and a few guitars.

This year, Sandfest celebrates its tenth anniversary in style, with a move to the Royal Concert Hall and a stellar line-up on stage consisting of some of Scotland’s finest musicians and singers.

Eighties pop stars Claire Grogan and the Bluebells are getting together with assorted stars from Love and Money, Aztec Camera, Del Amitri and Hipsway, in aid of Down’s Syndrome Scotland (DSS).

It’s the charity’s biggest ever fundraiser, and it comes as Glasgow prepares to host the 13th World Down Syndrome Congress in July.

Organiser Douglas MacIntyre, guitarist with Love and Money, admits Sandfest 2018 is a “quantum leap” away from its humble beginnings in the South Lanarkshire village of Sandford.

“It began at a house party ten years ago – we were all out in the garden, Ken and David McCluskey from the Bluebells started singing a few songs, and it the kids were playing and loving the music,” he recalls.

“At the end, Ken joked – see you next year at Sandfest, and the name stuck.”

He grins: “We moved to the village hall and sold some tickets, thinking we could raise some money for DSS and it just grew from there.”

For the locals and the lucky few who found out about it, Sandfest was an opportunity to see some of the best Scottish bands of recent years in action, at their very own “secret” gig.

“We didn’t publicise it, and the local baker sold the tickets, which always sold out instantly,” smiles Douglas, whose daughter Matilda has Down’s syndrome.

“Guys like James Grant and The Bluebells, who are still performing and selling out big venues all over the country, liked the idea of doing something a bit random, in this wee village hall in the middle of nowhere.

“We’re all great friends, we’ve all known each other and worked with each other for years, and they all know Matilda and why DSS is so important to us. They are so supportive, and we are really grateful. It’s just great fun to do.”

Clare Grogan, actress and Altered Images singer, is joining the line-up for the first time this year, alongside Grahame Skinner and The Bluebells, plus resident house band the Sandford City Rockers, made up of musicians and vocalists from Aztec Camera, Del Amitri and Love and Money.

“We’re delighted Clare is taking part - because she lives in London, it’s not been possible for her to come along, so it’s great to have her on board this year,” says Douglas.

The event is being hosted by Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli.

Sanjeev says: “Sandfest is the cream of Scottish musical talent all in one room and all raising money for an incredibly worthy cause.

“Despite my best efforts, I’d never been able to make it along, so to be asked to be the compere as Sandfest moves to a bigger venue is a massive honour.

“I’ll be there as a fan and the MC.”

He jokes: “I might even bring my old Yamaha keyboard. I promise not to plug it in though.”

Douglas admits it may be hard to return to the local village hall now the secret of Sandfest is out.

“Who knows what will happen next year?” he smiles.

“Let’s see how it goes this year first. We just want to raise money for DSS, which is a great charity.”

Both Douglas and his wife Katy Lironi are big supporters of the charity’s annual awareness week and they have shared their experiences of having a child with Down’s syndrome.

The couple have five children - Amelia, 17, Dugald who is 16, Matilda, 14, and 11-year-old twins Flora and Sonny.

“Having Matilda in our family has been brilliant,” says Douglas. “Nothing really prepares you for it, but we got a lot of support and it’s just been great.”

Matilda and her siblings are members of Ups and Downs Theatre Group, whose Choir 21 will be performing at Sandfest.

Formed in 1995, the group has been a hit at many festivals and events across Scotland, including an annual concert at Hamilton Town House every March. (This year’s concert takes place from March 5 to 10).

Rory Gaffney, head of operations at DSS said: “Down’s Syndrome Scotland is delighted to be working with the Sandfest team to bring this musical spectacle to the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall on March 18.

“The concert will play a major role in helping raise awareness of Down’s syndrome in Scotland and challenge some of the stigmas that still exist in society today.”

He adds: “We couldn’t do this if it was not for the support of all the musicians, who are giving their time freely to take part.”

Ken McCluskey, lead singer of The Bluebells, adds: “Sandfest has evolved and grown in a truly organic way over the last 10 years. “Playing live music with friends is a great way to raise awareness for Down’s Syndrome Scotland, as well as helping to raise funds for the World Down Syndrome Congress being held in Glasgow for the first time this summer.”

Sandfest 2018 is the first of a series of events during Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week, seven days of fundraising and awareness building activities and festivals organised by DSS, which take place across Scotland between March 18 and 24.

The week-long event culminates on World Down’s Syndrome Day (March 21), a global initiative to raise awareness and generate funds for people living with the condition and their families.

Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week plays a major role in helping raise awareness of one of the most frequently recognised but most misunderstood learning disabilities, as well as encouraging communities, schools and organisations to take the time to learn about Down’s syndrome and raise funds.

Later in the year, Glasgow plays hosts to the World Down Syndrome Congress at the SEC.

Now in its 13th year, the congress helps raise awareness of Down’s syndrome, while acting as a platform for experts, families and health workers to share experience and best practice, as well as reveal and discuss the latest research into the condition.

Sandfest 2018 takes place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on March 18.

Book your tickets at http://bit.ly/2B4WVFe

More news and goodies will be revealed on Twitter @DSSscotland and on Facebook.

To make a donation to Down Syndrome Scotland, please text DOWN21 £5 to 70070.