ABOUT 4,000 people are expected to take part in an Orange Order parade when it comes to Prestonpans later this month.

The County Grand Lodge of the East of Scotland Boyne Parade will be held in the town on Saturday, June 24, and will include representatives of 74 Lodges as well as 42 bands.

The celebrations begin in Mary Murray Park at 11am on the day when there will be an exhibition tent from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, kids' zone, stalls with memoribilia, refreshments and musical entertainment by the Saracens Flute band.

Platform proceedings are expected to start at noon, with the parade scheduled to move off at 1pm.

It will go from Mary Murray Park through East Loan, High Street, Redburn Road, North Grange Avenue, West Loan, Preston Road, Schaw Road and Appin Drive, before finishing on the B1348 between Prestonpans and Cockenzie.

Meanwhile, residents are invited to attend an open day tomorrow (Saturday) to find out more about the Orange Order ahead of the parade in Prestonpans.

Organisers are holding an open day in Prestonpans Town Hall on Saturday to let people find out about the history of the order, ask questions and meet members.

Dave Reynolds, County Grand secretary, said the open day was an opportunity for people to chat to members and raise questions they might have about the parade and the order itself.

The free open day, which is organised by the County Grand Lodge and East Lothian District LOL 44, will be held between 10am and 4pm.

Exhibitions of memorabilia, historical items, a Grand Lodge of Scotland exhibition and various stalls, including one manned by members ready to answer questions, will be there.

There will also be videos of the formation of the order, along with parades from previous years, including the last time the main parade was held in Prestonpans in 2011. There will also be a kids’ zone where parents can leave youngsters whilst they take in the exhibition.

A music interlude will be included featuring one of the local bands. Teas, coffees and snacks will be on offer.

Mr Reynolds said: “It is hoped that the exhibition will attract members of the public... to come along and ask any questions that they have on the Orange Order or the main parade and to reassure them that the parade is a friendly event open to all members of the community.”