COCKENZIE and Port Seton Gala Day is almost here as the village prepares to crown its 71st Gala Queen.

This year, Grace Mearns will be crowned Seton Queen on Saturday, ahead of a fun-packed day for all the family.

The fancy dress parade assembles at the Port Seton Centre at 11am and then sets off through the village at noon.

The laying of the wreath at the war memorial takes place at 12.30pm before the royal party heads to Cockenzie Harbour.

At 1pm, the Queen’s Barge sets out to sea and, after a brush with the pirates, lands safely at Port Seton Harbour at 1.45pm before processing to King George V Park to arrive at 2pm.

The funfair will be up and running in the park from noon onwards, with fairground rides and stalls, and the committee have asked people to remember that the attractions will only be accepting cash this year.

The crowning ceremony is set to start at 3pm. The crowning ceremony takes place in the marquee in the park and is accessible to ticket holders only.

The newly crowed Seton Queen then heads to the Port Seton Centre for her VIP reception, accessible by invite only.

The funfair runs until 5pm.

No dogs are allowed on the playing fields with the exception of guide dogs.

Gala bags will be handed out after the procession leaves the Port Seton Centre.

Last year’s Queen Emma Darling wished Grace luck, adding: “I remember how excited I was when I was named Seton Queen 2018. It was a great honour to represent our community.

“I will never forget how much fun I had and how nice it was to have my twin sisters right by my side.”

The gala day ends a week full of football competitions and kids’ and parents’ races, with tonight (Thursday) seeing the annual bowling event at Cockenzie and Port Seton Bowling Club at 6pm, while tomorrow (Friday) there is the May Funfair at King George V Park, 4-8pm, that sees the final decorations on the floats.

As well as gala day, Saturday also sees the gala ball take place at Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion at 7pm, as well as the annual Cockenzie vs Port Seton football match at 1pm at King George V Park.