THOUSANDS of people will line the streets of Musselburgh on Saturday as more than 300 musicians, riders, floats and performers create a carnival of colour in the Civic Procession.

Organisers expect about 10,000 people to turn out to watch the giant parade, which includes representatives from local groups, traders, churches and youth organisations.

The Civic Procession is a chance for the citizens of the Honest Toun to show their support to the Riding of the Marches principals, who will lead the procession behind the town’s band.

Town Champion Neil Wilson will head the principal gathering, which will be joined by chief mounted marshal Graeme Innes.

They will be followed by town officials – including Honorary Provost Councillor John Caldwell – in carriages, the town cryer and town drummer and a parade of Honest Lasses and Lads from the current to the past.

Bringing up the rear of the lead party in the procession will be the Pony Club and Berwickshire Horse and Hound.

The Royal Scots Auxiliary Band will then lead representatives from the military, local societies, the fishing industry and youth organisations as they parade.

They will be followed by the Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band, who will lead local traders, representatives of local churches and sporting organisations.

Linlithgow Reed Band lead vintage cars and representatives from East Lothian Council, Lothian Country Buses, Pride of East Lothian and the SNP Musselburgh branch.

The final section of the parade will be led by Dalkeith and Monktonhall Brass Band, who lead Clark Community Choir, Musselburgh Men’s Shed and the town’s rowing club, followed by Capital Roller Derby, Lothian Derby Dolls and Millhill Digital Photography.

The bands taking part will parade from the harbour to Pinkie House from 9am on Saturday, with the procession due to leave there at the ringing of the town bells at 10am.

It will make its way along High Street, through Olivebank Road, turning right onto Newhailes Road, before returning via North High Street to Pinkie House, where an afternoon of entertainment, including horse jousting and music from several bands, is planned.

Alaric Bonthron, procession convenor, said organisers had tried to ensure there was something for everyone in this year’s parade.

He said: “The 1995 Riding of the Marches Procession was a fantastic success and has been a really hard act to follow, but we have pulled together a great line-up. We have attempted to include something for everyone.

“These organisations have put in a huge amount of work to decorate each lorry, as have the pedestrians who are participating, and I would like to thank everyone for the fantastic effort put into this year.

“We hope the 2016 Principals will be impressed by the support from their local community.”