Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala day returns with action packed celebrations

Elsa Scott will be crowned Seton Queen on Gala Day itself – Saturday, May 28 – at the end of a week of fun-packed events for all the family.

A children's gala football competition, at King George V playing fields, is this Monday, May 23 from 5.30pm for nursery to P3 children, and at the same time on Tuesday, May 24 for P4 to P7 children.

Next Wednesday (May 24) will see the return of the much-loved gala pet show, at King George V playing fields, from 6pm to 7.30pm, with everyone invited to bring along their furry, or not so furry, pets to compete for prizes.

Prizes will be awarded for best dog, best cat, best small animal, best hairdo, best trick, funniest animal, most waggy tail, longest whiskers, and overall winner.

Attendees are reminded that all pets remain under the responsibility of owners at all times and should not to be left unattended.

Next Thursday, May 26, community members can show off their bowling skills at Hat Night.

Residents are also invited to participate in the best-dressed house, best-dressed shop front or best-dressed fishing boat competition.

Those interested in participating should email cpsgala@hotmail.co.uk by tomorrow (Friday).

Judging will take place on Gala Day morning, with prizes handed out for first, second and third places.

Gala Day kicks off with the fancy dress parade, which assembles at Port Seton Centre at 11am, awaiting the arrival of Seton Queen Elsa, who will be due there at 11.30am.

At 12.15pm, the crowning ceremony begins, finishing at 1pm, when children boarding the gala floats for the parade – the shows and park activities will begin at this time.

The parade will leave the Port Seton Centre at 1.15pm, stopping at Cockenzie War Memorial to lay a wreath at 1.40pm.

The parade will then move on to Cockenzie High Street and the royal party will walk through Cockenzie House and Gardens for a presentation to the queen.

At 2.10pm, the boats will leave Cockenzie Harbour bound for Port Seton Harbour, and the fishergirls will dance outside The Thorntree Inn at 2.15pm.

At 2.50pm, the parade will move on to Port Seton Harbour, before the boats arrive at 3.10pm.

The court will then disembark and get back onto the floats, before the parade heads towards the centre once more.

The shows and gala events are due to draw to a close at around 5pm.

A spokesperson for the gala said: "The Committee are delighted to be able to prepare for a full week of events in the lead up to our Gala Day, particularly after the last two years where we had very reduced events.

"We are so proud of our Gala Courts of 2020 and 2021 and the way the residents of our villages supported us through these difficult times, but we look forward to seeing everyone again as we process through the streets on May 28.

"Our Gala Day is a special occasion and we look forward to the crowning of our 74th Seton Queen, Elsa and hope the 2022 Court has a very memorable day."

By Caitlin Johnston.

East Lothian 2022.