Blackford Gala was first held in 1977 as part of commemorations designed to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
And present-day organisers of what is now Blackford Gala week have said it is fitting the expanded showpiece is due to make its full-scale return later this week in time to mark Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne.
Running from Sunday until June 12, Gala week starts in traditional fashion with a 10am service at Blackford Parish Church on June 5.
In celebrating Pentecost, Bible passages will be read by last year’s Gala Queen Maisie Shedden and Evie Head.
Local girl Evie will officially become the next person to take on the village’s Regal role at the Gala Day which marks the culmination of the jam-packed series of events.
Masie and Evie are also due to plant a tree after the service as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Canopy project.
The opening day continues with a bike ride starting from the church at 2pm.
One Monday there will be a chance for those of any age to play basketball at the court behind Allanwater Gardens from 6.30pm.
The village’s Moray Institute then takes centre stage on Tuesday as Blackford Primary School hosts a bingo and beetle drive evening from 6pm.
Blackford Bowling Club also features prominently during Gala week and will be the meeting point for a walking treasure hunt from 6.30pm on Wednesday which features separate competitions for children and adults.
A spokesperson for the volunteer-led committee behind Blackford Gala week said: “Building on our experience from the past two years, there is also the option to complete the treasure hunts in your own time earlier in the week.
“The questions will be available from the Blackford Gala box by the community noticeboards at the Moray Institute from Sunday.”
The following day, the bowling club will also be the venue for a senior citizens’ film afternoon, collated and edited by Margaret Guthrie, from 2pm.
The event spokesperson continued: “With afternoon tea provided too, it’s an opportunity to relive and recount some of the great village stories and characters.”
In addition, next Thursday will also see a family night take place on the Highland Games field – featuring activities such as rounders, among others – from 6.30pm.
Although not officially a Gala week event, Blackford Toddler Group is due to meet as usual from 9.30am next Friday at the Moray Institute.
The session will feature Bookbug songs and rhymes. The usual £3 charge applies and families are asked to bring their own snacks.
The same day also will also see a car treasure hunt take place from 7pm.
Participants are asked to hand in their £5 entry fee at the bowling club before being given a set of clues to follows in the hope of winning the Julie Shankland Trophy.
Gala week’s penultimate day begins with a magic and puppet show for primary school-aged pupils at Blackford Parish Church from 10am.
Meanwhile, those in secondary school have been invited to enjoy a combat archery session from 2pm on the same day at the Highland Games field.
Next Saturday then draws to a close with a family quiz in the Moray Institute from 7.30pm.
Entry is £5 for a team of four on the night and some of the questions will be aimed at children.
Gala Day itself takes place next Sunday and will see floats and a fancy dress parade leave the Moray Institute at 1pm.
Led by Comrie Pipe Band, the procession will head down Moray Street and up Stirling Street before arriving at the Highland Games field at approximately 1.30pm.
Evie will then be crowned by current incumbent Maisie, while new attendants Emily Gordon and Ellie Robertson will also start their new roles.
The fun-filled afternoon – which will also see the launch of the John (Jock) Aitken Trophy for the best fancy dress – also features various races and competitions, as well as inflatables and refreshments.
Blackford Gala week draws to a close with a bowls competition at the bowling club from 6pm.
Entry is £1 and names should be submitted to the village shop or at Gala Day.
Entries will also be accepted for the village’s scarecrow competition until Monday next week through the clipboard in the village shop, Blackford Gala Facebook page or by email to gala@blackford.org.uk
Results will be announced on Gala Day.
Art competition entries – using the theme ‘A celebration of 2022’ – are also being accepted until Wednesday next week.
Bunting is due to be available from Ballantrae House on Moray Street, Beildy Cottage on Stirling Street or at Gala Week events while stocks last.
The spokesperson concluded: “After two years of carrying out limited events online, we are delighted to be back to having an in-person Gala again.”
