MUSSELBURGH Festival 2014 aims to be bigger and better than ever this year, with more to do and fun for all the family.

The celebrations start this weekend, and, while the Honest Lad and Lass, Gary Neill and Lynsey Souter, will play prominent roles as always, the emphasis this year is on the Honest Toun’s young people, with tomorrow’s (Saturday) family cycle and treasure hunt taking centre stage.

Neil Wilson, returning president of the Honest Toun’s Association, which organises the events, said the festival was focusing on family and youngsters, but he promised there would be something for all ages through the week.

In a first for the festival, this year sees the launch of a Best Dressed Scarecrow competition.

Residents are being invited to create their own scarecrows and put them up around the town, with judging held during the week.

Mr Wilson said: “We are very much focused on family activities this year and our youth, and the scarecrow competition is something everyone can get involved in.

“It is a little bit different and fun. Anyone can take part, they just need to let us know where their scarecrow is for the judges.” And the association committee is also pleased to reveal it has secured sponsorship from local business Mario’s, which will allow everyone free entry to the climax of the festival next weekend as the community turns out to mark the end of the celebrations.

During the week, the Junior Ride Out will return after its successful debut last year.

The ride is a chance for youngsters to turn out and walk through the town.

Mr Wilson said: “The Junior Ride Out was a big hit last year.

“It is an opportunity for younger riders who cannot take part in the bigger event to join in; horses can be led by adults, it is all about encouraging our youngsters to get involved in riding and perhaps inspiring an Honest Lad or Lass of the future.” While much of the festival emphasis is on families, there are also events for the grown-ups.

The Festival Tea Dance returns to The Brunton this year, and will be in the centre’s newly-refurbished Venue 1 next Thursday (July 24), between 2pm and 4pm.

Tickets for the popular afternoon event are available from Wilson’s Fruit Shop, and the official party are practicising their Reel, for their appearance at the dance.

And, of course, the Fancy Dress Parade is open to all ages and popular with young and old.

President Mr Wilson admitted: “I think the fancy dress parade is my favourite part of the week.” Events start tomorrow with the family cycle and treasure hunt, which starts at 2pm at the BMX tracks, behind the racecourse.

On Sunday, Festival Week officially begins with the traditional Kirkin Parade, leaving the Town Hall at 10.30am to make its way to St Michael’s Kirk for a service starting at 11am.

Riders and spectators gather for the Crusaders’ Chase on Monday, which starts at Mall Avenue at 5.45pm, and rubber ducks will be racing from Roman Bridge to Rennie Bridge in the annual battle, starting at 6pm.

The Crusaders’ Dance is being held in Eskmills Bowling Club from 10pm; tickets, priced £8, are available from the Crusaders Committee or by emailing crusaders@honesttoun.co.uk On Tuesday, the judges are out and about as the Best Shop Window Display and House Decorations vie for the crown. This year the judges will also be busy visiting scarecrows across the town.

And in the evening the five-a-side football tournament kicks off at Musselburgh Rugby Club.

Wednesday will see the youths’ golf tournament tee off at Musselburgh Links – open to youngsters aged 9-15, entry forms at The Brunton – and in the afternoon those taking part in the Junior Ride Out will gather at Inveresk Industrial Estate ready to move out at 5.45pm.

The Sashing Ceremony takes place at 7pm at the Mall on the banks of the River Esk (or North Esk Church, at 7.30pm in the event of rain).

Next Thursday the Festival Tea Dance will be held in The Brunton, and next Friday the Fancy Dress Parade judging takes place at Loretto Primary School at 6.30pm before the parade starts at 7pm.

On the Saturday the riders will enjoy breakfast at Masonic Lodge, Balcarres Road, from 7am before the Ride Out from Pinkie House at 8am.

The return of the flag is due at about 12.45pm at the town hall before the free family fun day at Musselburgh Racecourse.

The annual raft race will be held at Fisherrow Harbour next Sunday afternoon from 1.30pm before the harbour ceremony begins at 7pm.