I WAS delighted to attend Haddstock Festival on Saturday and to see East Lothian’s summer events season getting into full swing.

As we put the Covid pandemic behind us, it’s great to see these important events returning.

It was a real pleasure to see live music in the town centre and in local pubs. I also thoroughly enjoyed joining friends, visitors and regulars Biphonic perform late into the evening at The Mercat in Haddington.

Haddstock Festival celebrates up-and-coming bands, musicians and performers from across East Lothian in Haddington’s cafes, bars, halls and streets – supporting local performers and hospitality businesses.

And elsewhere in the county, the return of Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala recently attracted good numbers, with gala days also planned in Aberlady, Longniddry, Macmerry and Ormiston in June.

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This is an encouraging sign of our communities coming together following the Covid pandemic.

We also saw this throughout last year with Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and His Majesty the King’s coronation last month.

I greatly look forward to seeing our communities continue to host events throughout the summer.

If you are interested in participating in an event in your area, you can find out more at the East Lothian Council website at eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210567/your_community/12643/list_of_public_events