THE search is now on for candidates for the positions of Honest Lad and Lass at this year’s Musselburgh Festival.

Stefanie Talac, honorary secretary of event organisers the Honest Toun’s Association, said that the association was was keen to hear from young people who were interested in taking on the historic roles.

She added: “We need those young people who are interested in the festival and being part of their community to now come forward and let us know.

“It’s really easy to do too.

“We are on Facebook, Twitter and we have our own website at mus selburghfestival.org where potential candidates can message the secretary to let us know they are interested.

“A member of the committee will then contact them to chat through the process and answer any questions they might have.”

The successful candidates, who have to be a minimum of 19 years old, will succeed last year’s Honest Lad, Jamie Cameron, and Honest Lass, Hayley Johnston, to represent the town at the festival from July 22 to 28. Candidates who are not elected as Honest Lad and Lass on Friday, April 27, will join the official party as attendants.

During the run up to and during the community event itself, they will visit local businesses, youth organisations and care homes for the elderly.

Their main duties throughout the summer months are to represent Musselburgh at other festivals and common ridings.

Stefanie said: “This is a great opportunity to build long lasting friendships and experience the traditions and heritage of other towns.”

The Musselburgh Festival, which features a wide range of activities for all the family, has several traditional events such the Harbour Ceremony, the Kirkin’ at which the Honest Lad and Lass are charged with leading festival, the Sashing Ceremony when they receive their sashes, the Crusaders Chase involving more than 100 riders and horses and the popular Junior Ride-Out.