Gala season has begun for the Lockerbie community which enjoyed a packed weekend with the first rideout and a family fun day.
It is the countdown to the Riding of the Marches and Gala day on Saturday, June 10, with the town’s fire crew stepping in to help put the flag up along the High Street to signal the start of the summer festivities.
Cornet Ewan Lowther, Cornet’s Lass Eilidh Kennedy and Standard Bearer Penny McLatchie led all the horses from H&H Market to Burnswark on Sunday.
Gala Queen Ella Howatson and her retinue followed in the ACTS minibus – and it was all shown live on Facebook this year.
The first rideout followed a popular free family fun day on land behind the ice rink on Saturday.
RH Youth Organisation staged the celebration with the gala committee and sponsorship from Common Thread and Ross Wardrope.
There was plenty for youngsters to try from obstacle courses to bouncy castle and trailer rides, a craft tent and art competition run by Lockerbie Rainbows and Brownies, plus the hugely popular water slide.
A spokesperson for the ROM said: “What a fabulous start for Lockerbie Gala and ROM.
“Our fun day was a huge success.
“A big thank you to the RH Youth organisation for working alongside us to plan such a brilliant, fun filled day for all.
“Burnswark was epic.
“A huge thank you to those who provided food donations for the hospitality stop and to the stewards as well.”
The spokesperson also thanked Lockerbie Ice Rink for use of its car park and toilet facilities, and anyone who helped or supported the fun day in any way.
The Standard Bearer’s rideout took place on Monday.
The next one, the Somerton Hotel rideout, is today, leaving the market at 6.30pm followed by: the Solway Agriculture rideout on Monday; Friday, June 2, Cornet’s Lass rideout; and Monday, June 5, Cornet’s rideout.
Routes feature in the gala programme which is now on sale in the town, priced £2.
Key events dates are: Crowning onSaturday; Kirkin’ O the Cornet on Sunday; Gymkhana, Thursday, June 1; Cornet’s Ball, Saturday, June 3; MIDS FC Primary 6-a-side; Monday, June 5; Penalty Kicks, Tuesday, June 6; Principals’ school and care homes visits, Wednesday, June 7; Pet Show, Wednesday, June 7; Gala Golf, Thursday, June 8; Car treasure hunt, Friday, June 9; ROM and Gala Day on Saturday, June 10.
Businesses are asked to take part in the shop windows decoration competition, sponsored by Lockerbie and District Rotary Club.
