THE countdown to this year's Musselburgh Festival officially began on Friday as the Honest Lad and Honest Lass for 2024 were introduced to a waiting crowd from the steps of the Old Town Hall.
Honest Lad Billy Innes, 26, and Honest Lass Eilidh Bonthron, 20, are looking forward to leading the annual Musselburgh Festival in the summer, along with representing the town at common ridings, festivals and gala events across Scotland.
The announcement – a month earlier than usual – took place on the steps of the Old Town Hall, where it has been held in the past before a move to the Brunton Hall, parts of which are currently closed following a roof survey.
As happened last year, the traditional public vote did not take place, with the positions of Honest Lad and Honest Lass now decided by a selection panel of community representatives.
A night of entertainment and fun for all ages followed the announcement of the new Honest Lad and Honest Lass, who will be supported by 2023 Honest Lad Aiden McLaren and Honest Lass Ellen Brown.
Performances by the Musselburgh-based Clark Community Choir and local Boys' Brigade pipe band were enjoyed. Senior pupils from Musselburgh Grammar School danced the eightsome reel with the official party outside the Old Town Hall.
Afterwards, the election night dance, which featured a live band, was held at Loretto Church Hall.
Billy has lived in Musselburgh since 2016. Growing up with a "keen interest" in the festival, Musselburgh was always "a home away from home" as he spent most school holidays at his grandparents' house.
He currently works as restaurant manager at Carberry Tower Mansion House & Estate near Musselburgh.
Away from work, Billy loves to spend time with his family and going on long walks with his dog. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, regularly following Musselburgh Rugby Club and Musselburgh Athletic Football Club when he can. He took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon last year and would like to repeat this in the future.
He said: "I’d like to give thanks to the selection committee for trusting me with the position of Honest Lad.
"The interview process was nerve-racking; however, I was quickly made to feel at ease and encourage anybody to go for it.
"Having grown up supporting the festival since a young boy, festival week has always been the highlight of my summer.
"It has been a dream of mine and, when the opportunity finally came along, I grasped it with both hands.
"I hope to be able to make the town proud throughout my time in office and I’m looking forward to the adventures ahead.
"I would like to congratulate Eilidh on being elected as Honest Lass for 2024. I am looking forward to getting to know her over the course of the summer and representing the town with Eilidh by my side.
"I am positive she will do a sterling job as Honest Lass and, together, we’ll make a great team alongside Aidan and Ellen."
Eilidh lives in Musselburgh and is a former pupil of Stoneyhill Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School. She is now in her third year at Queen Margaret University at Musselburgh, studying to be a primary school teacher, while also working part-time in Tesco.
When not studying, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. In her spare time she attends rugby training with the newly formed Musselburgh women's team and spends a lot of time watching Musselburgh rugby at the weekends.
Following a short time living abroad, Eilidh found a passion for travelling and, to relax, she goes to the gym regularly and loves to keep fit by walking around the town daily.
Eilidh said: "I am honoured to be elected as your Honest Lass for 2024.
"Thank you to the selection panel for this amazing opportunity – it really is a dream come true.
"I am delighted to be in office with Billy. Alongside Aidan and Ellen, we will make a great team representing our town throughout the festivals whilst making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here, especially my family. I hope to make you feel extremely proud as your very own Honest Lass.
"I look forward to the summer ahead and festival weeks for many years to come.
"Finally, I’d like to wish all the anniversary lads and lasses a lovely summer, and I hope you have a wonderful time reminiscing about your time in office.
"I look forward to seeing you all at our festival in July and the many events in the lead-up."
Former lead principals who are celebrating 25, 50 and 60 years since they were elected attended the election night event to support and share wisdom with Billy and Eilidh as they begin their own chapter in Musselburgh's "rich and colourful" history.
Councillor Cher Cassini was introduced as this year's honorary provost for the Musselburgh Festival, taking over the reins from Councillor Andy Forrest. She endorsed the 2024 Honest Lad and Honest Lass, wishing them well as a "great supporter" of the official party and festival throughout the year.
Local author Janey Jones was also named at this year's Sasher and, as such, will be responsible for investing the Honest Lad and Honest Lass with their ceremonial sash of office at the start of festival week.
The committee invited Janey "to celebrate and acknowledge a local lass with worldwide achievements in literature".
Janey has lived in Musselburgh most of her life, with spells in East Lothian and Portobello. She enjoyed English and history at school, going on to the University of Edinburgh to study English literature and language, and history of art and geography. She then trained as a secondary teacher of English and taught at George Heriot's School in Edinburgh.
After becoming a full-time mother, her thoughts turned to writing and she was offered a 12-book deal with Penguin Random House, and has never been out of print. She has travelled the world on book tours, especially with her Princess Poppy books, which are enjoyed in many languages, with more than four million copies sold. Lately she has written some novels and a biography of the first female doctors, which is being developed into a film.
The mum of three sons – a lawyer, artist and surveyor – she said she "loves" Musselburgh, particularly the river and harbour.
The HTA committee is busy working in the background to ensure a full calendar of events are enjoyed for 2024, including during the Musselburgh Festival from Saturday, July 20, to Sunday, July 28.
President Alistair Barclay said: "To call it 'festival week' doesn't do it justice.
"The start of this year came with two fundraisers – the Rum & Reggae Night, followed by the quiz night at the Mercat Grill in Whitecraig.
"The Crusaders qualifying ride at Lasswade Riding Centre and Honest Lad's Grand National Day at Musselburgh Rugby Club are soon approaching on Saturday, April 13.
"We then welcome the return of the Musselburgh Festival karaoke competition for its second year, commencing on Friday, April 26, at the Ravelston."
This will be followed by heats at Levenhall on May 10; the Wiremill, May 24; Mercat, June 7; Horseshoe Tavern on June 21; and Masonic Lodge, July 5. The grand final will be held on July 12.
Mr Barclay said: "The association will be running a Gumball Rally on May 19. This is a family-friendly car treasure hunt which will be followed by a lunch.
"In June, our official party will be in full swing visiting neighbouring towns, common ridings and festival, representing Musselburgh.
"Thursday, June 21, is marked in local schools' diaries for the traditional visit from the Honest Lad and Honest Lass. At these visits, they will present the winners of the art and poetry competition being held between Easter and June.
"As the celebrations gather pace, the official party will attend dinners and events here at home in the lead-up to the nine days of celebrations centred around the last Saturday in July which we call festival week.
"We look forward to seeing you all at many events and providing you with a packed printed programme of events and stories via our festival programme, which will be available to buy from May."
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