A “whirlwind” week of events, laughter, song and fun was enjoyed at this year’s Musselburgh Festival, which came to a close on Sunday. 

The annual community event was hailed a big success by organisers, the Honest Toun’s Association (HTA). 

They said the festival attracted large crowds and hosted sell-out events throughout the week.  

The traditions of the week were led by 2023 Honest Lad Aidan McLaren and Honest Lass Ellen Brown who went “above and beyond” in carrying out their official duties. 

Along with their supporters, the 2022 Honest Lad Jack McFarlane and Honest Lass Amy Rooke, they also joined in the fun, taking on the guise of pop group ABBA for the fancy dress parade last Friday. 

PICTURES: Musselburgh Festival's fancy dress parade showcases some great costumes

Honest Lasses delighted spectators with their tribute to The Addams Family as the procession made its way through the town. 

Also in the parade was a float with a large banner saying ‘Pause The Flood Scheme’, in support of opponents of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme as they continue their campaign against measures proposed for the town. The float was pulling a boat with the sign ‘Wall Bay Watch’, amidst local concern about walls being put along the River Esk.  

The festival ended at the weekend with Festival Day and the rideout, the only occasion the Burgh Standard is carried on horseback. 

The procession and rideout took riders to surrounding farms and Wallyford, before returning to Musselburgh for the beach gallop and the return of the Burgh Standard “unsullied and unstained” to Councillor Andy Forrest, honorary provost, at the Town Hall. 

PICTURES: Musselburgh Festival Rideout 2023 rideout brings big crowds

In the afternoon, more than 3,000 people descended on Musselburgh Racecourse for a family fun day.  

An HTA committee spokesperson said: “Before the week began, we were delighted to have been able to share over 600 art and poetry entries from primary school children in the town. 

“Saturday, July 22, saw several hundred runners take part in the 10k and 3k fun run, before the bowling competition took place.  

“The bowling entries were at capacity and had to be extended to allow for more teams to take part. The winners of the bowls were the Store Club triple. 

“The reintroduction of the dog show and the swimming gala also took place on the Saturday, before the grand final of the six-week long community karaoke competition, which was won by Rebecca Traynor.” 

They added: “The official start to festival week was the Kirkin’, which this year returned to Northesk Church following the closure of St Michael’s Parish Church at Inveresk.  

“The weather stayed dry for the Sashing, which took place at the Mall.” 

They explained: “We had yet another sell-out children’s treasure hunt, which took place from Musselburgh Harbour to Loretto playing fields. 

“The Crusaders Chase, led by captain Sarah Hawes, was well attended, with some fantastic drone footage capturing the large crowds gathered at the Roman Bridge.  

PICTURES: Musselburgh Festival Crusaders' Chase 2023 a great success

“This was quickly followed by the duck race, which had returned following a prolonged break after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“The junior ride and five-a-side football tournament were both a success, before another new addition of the family fun cycle.” 

The spokesperson added: “The sell-out Presentation Night at Loretto refectory was a great success, and was the highlight of the week for many, with stories being shared of anniversary principals and presentations being made from Rotary, Old Musselburgh Club, Crusaders Riding Club, Masonic Lodge, East Lothian Council, the Fisherrow fishing community and Di Rollos. 

“The tea dance was in doubt after a slow uptake but on the day we welcomed over 70 people for an afternoon of music and dancing. 

“Another new addition was the festival quiz night, held at the Ravelston.  

“Spot the Cuckoo, another free competition, was enjoyed by 160 entries, with families trying to spot the odd object in local shops, which was ongoing on Friday before the very popular fancy dress parade at night.” 

They ended: “Festival Day was a day to remember for our Honest Lad and Lass, as the townsfolk came out in their numbers to watch the beach gallop and returning of the flag unsullied and unstained at the Town Hall. 

“Over 3,000 attended the Festival Day at Musselburgh Racecourse. Sunday marked the end of the festivities with the reintroduction of the Harbour Ceremony, where the Honest Lad and Lass were presented with gifts before sailing out the harbour aboard the Fairnies. 

“We now look forward to our fancy dress ball on November 11, with tickets on sale now via our website.”