PRESTONPANS Children’s Gala is almost here, with Queen Robyn Manson eagerly awaiting her coronation on Saturday.

This year is the 70th anniversary of Prestonpans Children’s Gala.

On gala day itself, the festivities kick off with the crowning ceremony at 11am at Prestonpans Community Centre.

There is then a fancy-dress competition at Middleshot Square at noon before the parade heads off through the town.

From Middleshot Square, it heads along Hawthorn Road and down West Loan to the war memorial, then along High Street before turning up Redburn Road, then along North Grange Avenue, where it ends at Mary Murray Park, behind the community centre.

The park hosts the gala day’s family fun, which includes a funfair with a host of rides, as well as old favourites such as hook the duck.

There is also a vintage fire engine on display, as well as an American police car, motorbike displays, ponies, birds of prey, beat the goalie, Zorbs, safe archery, NERF guns, crazy golf, a tombola and a gala raffle, not to mention ice cream vans, tea and coffee, Mr Donut Man, crepes, waffles, hot dogs, nachos, a burger van, La Favorita pizzas, stalls selling gifts, sweets and cake.

Gala day marks the beginning, not the end of Prestonpans’ week of fun and activities.

Events are as follows:

Saturday, June 22

  • Prestonpans Gala Day (see full details above).

Monday, June 24

  • 7pm: Bingo at St Gabriel’s Hall. Tickets £5 for books and a hot drink.

Tuesday, June 25

  • 6.15-7.15pm: Nursery to primary three roller disco at Prestonpans Community Centre, non-skaters must be accompanied.
  • 7.45-9pm: Primary four to primary seven roller disco also at the community centre, non-skaters must be accompanied. These events are free, but tickets are required and can be picked up from Prestonpans Community Centre.

Wednesday, June 26

  • 6pm: Senior citizens’ concert at Prestonpans Royal British Legion. This is a free event and tickets are available from the community centre and the Royal British Legion.

Thursday, June 27

  • 5.30-6.30pm, 6.45-7.45pm, 8-9pm: Three session of NERF Battle Zone at Prestonpans Community Centre. Only 30 people allowed per session. This is also a free event, but tickets are required and can be picked up from the community centre.

Friday, June 28

  • 6-7.15pm: Nursery to primary three disco at Prestonpans Community Centre.
  • 7.45-9pm: Primary four to primary seven disco, also at Prestonpans Community Centre. Again, this is a free event, but tickets are required and available from the community centre.