SCHOOLCHILDREN are staging a Pageant of Musselburgh which will teach spectators about the history of the town during this year’s Riding of the Marches.

Youngsters from all the local schools will take the audience back in time with their show at The Brunton next month.

The pageant was first performed by a cast of local people at the 1956 Riding of the Marches at Musselburgh Racecourse. The script was specially commissioned from Scots author and poet Alexander Reid, and later performed at the 1974 Marches, but cast aside in 1995.

For this year’s event, there was an “overwhelming appetite” to bring the show back. The script was reviewed and updated.

More than 50 children from Campie, Loretto RC, Pinkie St Peter’s, Burgh, Wallyford, Whitecraig and Stoneyhill Primary schools and Musselburgh Grammar School have been busy with rehearsals for the pageant.

Each school will present a separate scene from the town’s history and the scenes will be interspersed with traditional music with a Musselburgh connection, performed by local musicians.

Staff and students from the drama department of Queen Margaret University are also helping with set design and costumes.

One of the main aims of the pageant was to engage with young people to bring local history and heritage to life, as well as to provide an entertaining and informative production.

Director Sarah Masson said: “The process of this year’s pageant from the very beginning has been fun, engaging and energised. The pupils enthusiastically collaborated and built on their prior knowledge of the Riding of the Marches, the burgh and the vibrant people within the community to create the scenes and settings.

“Together, they digested the Scots language from throughout the centuries with ease and insight to produce their dynamic performances. We shared ideas, stories and a fantastic experience while creating this year’s pageant, and we hope everyone enjoys it.”

The event will be held over three nights in Venue 1 at The Brunton on Tuesday, July 26, Wednesday, July 27, and Thursday, July 28, at 7pm. Tickets can be booked through the box office at The Brunton in person or by phoning 0131 665 2240.