THIRTY-SEVEN children are taking part in the royal court for the 2024 Whitecraig Gala – more than double the usual number.

“This is a great achievement and support from the villagers,” said Becka Melrose, speaking on behalf of the gala team.

A ‘meet and greet’ was enjoyed which enabled members of the gala team to introduce themselves to the parents and children in the royal court, and to discuss this year’s schedule.

Gala day is on Saturday, June 22, with the crowning ceremony at 11am in Whitecraig Park.

East Lothian Courier: Whitecraig Gala's queen Grace Pattie and king Josh Irvine are looking forward to their big day in JuneWhitecraig Gala's queen Grace Pattie and king Josh Irvine are looking forward to their big day in June

“We have a civic week of events planned too, starting from Monday, June 17, which will include target bowls, a pet show, bingo night and fancy dress parade,” said Becka.

She added: “We’ve had great feedback from local people and businesses offering to sponsor a child in the royal court this year, which is awesome! We still need a few more to reach 37.

“We will also need volunteers to help out with the civic week and gala day, and anyone who’d like to offer their time can message our Facebook page (Whitecraig Gala).

"Big or small, we all play a part in making these successful events for everyone in the village to get involved in.”

The royal court is: queen Grace Pattie; king Josh Irvine; chief lady Leona Holmes; herald Viktor Velkov; ladies-in-waiting Emmie North, Cassie MacDonald, Katie Melrose and Abbie Baggs; crown bearers, Finlay Glen and Thomas McDonald; maids escort Kian Harvey; maids Alice Jaskolski, Karrie Melrose, Grace Smith, Jorgie Edwards, Summer Jones and Emili Buchan; flag bearers Stuart Buchan and Shaun Turner; flower girls Lara Sarkadi, Imogen Tait, Olivia Tait, Darcie Campbell, Sophie Martin, Willow Devine, Ayse Karaharman, Willow Jones, Lara O’Neil and Willow Glen; page boys Corey Seath, Tucker Cowan, Scott Buchan and Harry Richardson; train bearers Ollie Borrill, Blake Maxwell-Burton, Charlotte Cannon and Imogen Cook.