ABERLADY residents will be hoping that the sun is shining on them this weekend as gala week gets under way.

Queen Martha Blacklock and her Consort Ethan Glancy will be centre of attention at their crowning ceremony, which kicks off gala day on Saturday.

After the crowning, the community can look forward to the float parade and procession, led by North Berwick Pipe Band, taking them to the playing fields with a packed day of family fun.

Parents of the P1 and P7 children are asked to ensure that their children are dressed and ready at the pavilion by noon to 12.30pm in time for the float parade which will be setting off at 1.30pm after the crowning of the Gala Queen and her consort at 12.30pm.

From 2pm on the playing fields, there will be a tea tent, a beer and Prosecco tent, barbecue, ice-cream van, raffle, candy floss, face painting, tuck shop, mechanical rides, inflatables, beauty treatments, traditional games and a host of other stalls.

Throughout the day there will be live music, children's magic shows, a variety of children’s races, as well as a tug of war.

Gala day is just the start of the fun for Aberlady, as activities for all ages will be taking place all week.

The full list of other events during the week are as follows:

Sunday, June 2

  • 1-3pm Youth Football, primary one to primary seven, with possibilities for older students depending on demand. Contact either Karen on 07761 597 236 or Craig on 07813 929 997 for details. The games will be held on the playing fields.

Monday, June 3

  • 11.30am-12.30pm Kundalini Yoga, suitable for adults of all abilities aged 50 plus. Held at the Village Hall.
  • 6.30-8pm Family quiz night also at the Village Hall. No need to book, just pop along and grab a table, tuck shop and hot dogs will be available.

Tuesday, June 4

  • 6-8pm kids’ golf event, primary one to primary seven mini golf tournament. Call Clare on 07584 083 014 for more details. This event will be held at Craigielaw Short Course.
  • 6-7pm and 7-8pm Scooter Grand Prix and Nerf Patrol. Bring or borrow a scooter/helmet and nerf gun for some track fun and target practice. Nursery to primary three welcome between 6pm and 7pm and primary four to primary seven welcome 7-8pm. Children must be supervised. This event will be held at the primary school playground.
  • 7-9pm Senior Football, for everyone over the age of 16. Contact Al on 07983 415 465. This event will be held in the playing fields.

Wednesday, June 5

  • 10-11am Stroll to Soul, suited for adults of any ability over the age of 50 to go on a gentle walk in and around Aberlady. This event will start at the Village Hall.
  • 6-7pm Disco for nursery to primary three children.
  • 7.15-8.15 Disco for primary four to primary seven. Contact Angela on 07809 616 537 for more details. Both of the discos will take place at the Village Hall.

Thursday, June 6

  • 10-11am Stroll to Soul – see Wednesday entry.
  • 6-7pm Gala Fun Run. This is a timed run for the children followed by games on the beach. Children must be primary two to primary seven to enter and must pre-register using the Active Schools form available from Aberlady Primary School office. For more details, contact Karen on 07761 597 236. Runners are to meet at the wooden bridge at the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve.

Friday, June 7

  • 10-11am Stroll to Soul – see Wednesday entry.
  • 7.30pm-midnight Gala Dance, open to everyone. Contact Kat on 07730 536 734 for more details. This event will take place at the Village Hall.

Sunday, June 9

  • 10.45am Kirkin’ Sunday, primary one and primary seven children, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts meet at the Village Hall for the procession to Aberlady Kirk.
  • 11.15am Aberlady Kirk service.
  • 12.15pm Gala court certificates and winner of the ‘Best Gala Float’ at the Village Hall.
  • 12.30pm Lunch for primary one and primary seven families again, at the Village Hall.