YOUNGSTERS left disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala Day lifted their spirits with a Lockdown Photo Parade.

Members of the gala court shared images of themselves in their outfits and fancy dress on the gala’s Facebook page, after the committee, which had initially hoped to reschedule the traditional day, announced it would have to cancel it instead.

Seton Queen Grace Hill was crowned by her mum on Saturday, June 6 – which would have been the community’s gala day – at a private ceremony at Cockenzie House and Gardens alongside her escort Lucas Donnelly. She was then driven around the village, with gala court members and others coming out to wave to her while social distancing.

And many gala court members, with help from their families, shared pictures of themselves dressed in the outfits they would have worn for the full parade and celebrations had they gone ahead.

A spokesperson for the gala committee said: “The news of our gala day cancellation was clearly very upsetting for the gala court, parents and locals.

“The committee delayed cancelling the event in the hope it could go ahead, and were heartbroken the event had to be cancelled.

“Members of the committee worked hard to do everything they could to ensure the kids had memories from the day.

“A 2020 Lockdown Photo Parade was posted on gala day featuring the full gala court.

“The kids have also submitted some fantastic videos, which are currently being made into a special compilation film.

“Some children still chose to dress for the day and parents went to the effort of decorating houses to ensure the kids had a day they’d remember.

“Thank you to all the parents that shared photos.”