PARENTS of youngsters who want to take part in Tranent Children’s Gala next year will be asked to attend a sign-up session at the Loch Centre next month.

The format for entering the gala court draw has been changed this year to ensure every family who wants to be involved can apply.

The gala committee has said the new format was introduced after claims that some children were not receiving forms.

This year they have organised a one-day-only sign-up for parents to fill in the application forms.

READ MORE: Tranent Gala Gallery

Crowning committee members will be at the Loch Centre on Saturday, October 8, 1-4pm with applications for parents of children wanting to take part in next year’s gala court to fill in.

Children eligible to enter the draw must be in Primary 3 and Primary 7; girls from Primary 1 are also eligible. It does not matter which school they attend but they must live in Tranent.

The committee is appealing to parents to look at a list, which will be available during the sign-up session, of the dates when their children will need to attend rehearsals.

Anyone who wants to enter their child but cannot get along on October 8 should contact the committee after that date to arrange to collect a form. The closing date for returning forms will be Friday, October 28.

Meanwhile, the committee has launched a public consultation with residents of the town to gather views about the local gala.

Questionnaires for people to fill in are available from various places around town, including the Loch Centre and library, and can be downloaded from the gala website.

Robert McNeill, committee chairman, said: “Traditionally we receive various comments from individuals on a range of issues right after the event. This consultation will allow everyone in the community to voice their views over the next few weeks, which in turn will allow the committee to plan for next year’s event.”

The results of the consultation will be revealed at the committee’s AGM, either at the end of October or beginning of November.

More information about how to get involved can be found on the gala’s Facebook page, or email robert.mcneill49@btinternet.com

The gala committee is currently discussing the timing of this year’s torchlight parade, which initially looked set to clash with the England v Scotland World Cup qualifying game on Friday, November 11. The committee is currently discussing options, including holding it on the Saturday.