Musselburgh’s first Communities Day since before the Covid-19 pandemic attracted nearly 500 visitors, organisers have said.

The event, organised by Musselburgh Area Partnership, took place last Saturday at a new venue – Fisherrow Centre, in South Street – as the Brunton Hall, where it usually takes place, has parts of the building closed.

Communities Day brought a range of different organisations and clubs under one roof for one day, and this year’s theme was “Community”.

This year, 395 adults and 183 children came to find out about the wide variety of activities and services available in the Musselburgh area, including Wallyford and Whitecraig.

Present were representatives from voluntary organisations, police and fire services, Scouts South East Scotland, community councillors, community groups, and army and sea cadets.

Visitors heard about local sports and youth groups and an organisation for people with dementia, and received cost-of-living advice and free bike checks from Dr Bike. Children enjoyed everything from face painting and balloon modelling toLego and circus skills.

East Coast FM Radio was also in attendance, along with Musselburgh Air Cadets.

The Musselburgh Cook Club supplied soup, tea, coffee and biscuits.

The area partnership’s Communities Day sub group – Scott McKail, East Lothian Council’s Connected Communities manager; Gaynor Allen, area partnership chair; and members Christine Shaffer, Janice McLeod, Margaret Stewart and Alister Hadden – expressed their “thanks and appreciation” to staff and groups at the Fisherrow Centre, and all those who supported the event.

Mr Hadden, who is vice chair of the area partnership, said: “They gave visitors a full day of entertainment, advice and the opportunity to become involved or volunteer in something of their choice.”

He added: “Of course, a massive thanks also to every family, child and adult who came through the gates of the Fisherrow Centre to see and support all those groups, clubs and organisations who had spent a great deal of time and effort to present and put on the biggest show in town for their community.”