AN INTERNATIONAL crowd enjoyed Haddington’s Trad on the Tyne festival at the weekend – including a headline performance from ex-Runrig frontman Donnie Munro.

Ian Green, honorary president of the festival – organised by Haddington Pipe Band and the Waterloo Bistro – said: “We were absolutely delighted with the way the festival went this year and would like to thank everyone – some from well beyond our shores – who turned up over the three days.

“We really hope that they enjoyed the events and the whole atmosphere of the festival, particularly on the Saturday, when we were blessed with great weather, and on the Sunday afternoon when we had four pipe bands entertaining the audiences.

“What a pleasure it was to see that fine and beautiful space in Haddington – the Haugh – coming to life and being enjoyed by so many folk.

“We believe that the quality of music on offer this year was of the very highest standard, and we were very pleased and honoured to be showcasing some of the country’s finest traditional musicians.

“We also had a great response to the Open Stage musicians, to the local groups who supported a couple of the main acts, to the workshops, to the come-and-try classes, to the craft tent, and to the late-night sessions. Clearly there is not only enthusiasm but also great talent right here in our community.

“The festival is run entirely by volunteers, and I’d like to pay tribute to their work in planning and staging the festival, and also thank the sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible.”