CROWDS turned out in their thousands, lining the streets of the town before gathering at Ross High playing fields to mark the start of Tranent Gala Week with the crowning of the Gala Queen on Sunday.

The predicted rain largely stayed away, which allowed Tranent residents to take to the streets as they joined the gala day celebrations at the school playing fields, with many there well before the noon start time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the weekend’s good weather.

Meanwhile, Libby Inglis was crowned Gala Queen at a ceremony at the Loch Centre, with crowds lining the route from the Loch Centre to Civic Square, along the town’s High Street, to see the Gala Court parade and the new queen lay flowers at the town’s war memorial to remember those who lost their lives in conflict – a particularly poignant ceremony on the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

The town’s pipe band, as is customary before the crowning ceremony, played outside Libby’s home, while Haddington Pipe Band played outside consort Danny Worobec’s home, before making their way to the Loch Centre.

Colin McGinn, gala chairman, told the Courier he was delighted with how the day had panned out.

He said: “It is really great to see the whole community pulling together, and that’s what it’s all about in my eyes – the community.

“There were thousands of people at the Ross High fields until well after 4pm and also lining the streets earlier in the day, which is brilliant.” Mr McGinn was quick to pay tribute to his gala committee.

He continued: “The committee are there from about 9am until after 5pm when everyone’s gone home, so it’s a credit to them and I really appreciate the effort that they put in. We couldn’t do it without them.” He was also thankful that the forecasted bad weather stayed away and allowed for a second consecutive gala to be enjoyed in good weather, as well as good spirits.

“We were really concerned earlier in the week because the forecast wasn’t looking good, and you can plan for almost everything but you can’t plan for the weather,” he said.

“Thankfully it held off and, for the second year running, we got a really nice day for it.” Mr McGinn was delighted at the traditional aspect of the day, as the town celebrates its 80th gala week.

“It’s great to see the tradition being carried on,” he said. “This is our 80th gala week, although it’s only the 75th crowning as there was a break for the war, and it really was good to see so many families turn up.

“We try our best to put as much stuff on free, but obviously there is a charge to parents who bring their kids, but that doesn’t seem to put anyone off.” Events have been continuing throughout the week, including the Gala Highland Games on Monday, while today (Friday) there is the pet show at the Loch Centre, and Fraser Centre flix and a Tranent Colts coaches vs parents match at St. Martins 3G from 6pm.

There is also a show tonight at the Loch Centre from 7.15pm, as Centre Stage theatre company present ‘Showtime’ – with tickets priced at £6.

Events conclude tomorrow (Saturday) with the opening of St. Martin’s Parish Community Hall at 11am, before the week-long gala culminates with the grand parade from 6pm.