GALA season kicks off with a very special celebration this weekend as Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala celebrates its 70th annual gathering, with gala day this Saturday.

Cockenzie Primary School pupil Emma Darling will be crowned the community’s 70th Seton Queen as a week of fun-packed events are planned for all the family.

This year, many former Seton Queens have been in touch to share their memories of their big day with Emma.

Catherine Thomson, who was the first to wear the crown in 1949, said: “It is almost impossible to believe that it is the 70th anniversary of the gala. Best wishes to the new Queen and members of the communities for work carried out over these years to keep the gala alive.”

Catherine Stewart, who was Queen in 1951, told Emma: “Enjoy your day! I still talk about mine and that was years ago.”

Last year, Megan Anderson was crowned the 69th Seton Queen by Honourable Gentleman Scott Glynn, founder of the Walk With Scott Foundation.

Megan said: “I have loved every minute of my reign and feel very lucky to have been crowned by Scott and his wife Carol.

“I will hold such great memories of a special year.”

This year’s Honourable Gentleman is John Marshall, who has been involved in the gala and community events for many years.

John has played a part in many local groups, including Seton Boys, Boys’ Brigade, the community council and volunteering as a parent helper for Cockenzie Primary School P6 camp since 2001.

Throughout next week there are family events, with the kids’ gala football competition held on the park playing fields on Monday from 6pm for nursery to P3 children, and at the same time on Tuesday evening for P4 to P7 children.

Tuesday sees the annual pet show held at King George V Park from 6pm, with everyone invited to bring along their furry, and not so furry, friends to compete for prizes.

Next Thursday (May 31) the playing fields play host to kids’ and parent races from 6pm which promise fun for all the family, while the gala hat night is held in Cockenzie and Port Seton Bowling Club from 6pm.

All the events during the week are free.

Next Saturday (June 2), the gala ball is held as the grand finale to the week in Port Seton Centre from 7pm; tickets £10 adults and £5 children. The annual Cockenzie versus Port Seton football match is also held as they battle it out for the Jackie Hutt Memorial Trophy with a 1pm kick-off at the park playing fields.

The highlight, however, is gala day itself, which takes place this Saturday as the streets and the harbours come alive with colour and excitement.

This year the fancy dress parade assemble at Port Seton Centre at 11am as they await the arrival of Seton Queen Emma, who is due there at 11.20am.

The parade leaves the centre at noon when the King George V Park activities officially open.

At 12.30pm the gala court assemble at the green for the laying of the wreath before the procession makes its way to Cockenzie Harbour.

Next the Queen and her royal party board their barge and make their way to Port Seton Harbour, keeping an eye out for pirates as they travel.

Once safely back on land, the procession heads to the park for the official crowning ceremony, due to take place at 3pm.