THE ‘virtual’ Musselburgh Festival has been a bit hit - not least the dog show which attracted more than 100 entrants. 

Although the election of the 2020 Honest Lad and Honest Lass, and the festival itself, were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the local community enjoyed reminiscing about past events.

The Honest Toun’s Association, which organises the annual festival, was determined to keep the spirit of the event alive while keeping everyone safe.

Two films were shown via the association’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. The first, about Kirkin’ Sunday, was available for viewing on what would have been Kirkin’ Sunday – July 19. The other was about Festival Saturday, which was shown at the end of the ‘virtual’ programme on July 25.

Festival flags were delivered to local residents by association representatives to put up outside their homes – a gesture which may continue for future festivals.

During lockdown, photos of previous festivals from the association’s archives were posted on social media and this continued during ‘virtual’ festival week, with popular events in the programme displayed.

A virtual fancy dress parade took place, with members of the public invited to submit photos of themselves in fancy dress at home or in past parades.

The virtual dog show was a roaring success, attracting more than 100 entries from owners who sent in photos of their pets in 11 classes, giving judges Gordon Vets a difficult task.

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Another highlight was a virtual concert co-ordinated by Julie Robinson, Honest Lass 2011. The musical extravaganza was compèred by Caroline Grant, Honest Lass 1986, and saw performances from the Clark Community Choir, Tutti Orchestra, Douglas McNeill, Lorraine McBrearty, Reno Di Rollo (Honest Lad 1971) and Fiona Grant-MacDonald.

Alison Elgin, president of the Honest Toun’s Association, said: “The virtual festival went very, very well. People enjoyed reminiscing about years gone by.

“There were lots of positive and supportive comments and feedback.”

She added that the coronavirus lockdown had enabled the association to develop an extensive archive of old photos and videos and added that a ‘virtual’ event could run alongside future festivals.