A KEY fixture in Haddington’s social calendar for more than 55 years returns this weekend.

The Haddington Festival has regularly brought people together at the heart of the town since it was established in 1968.

Now, the volunteers behind the event are encouraging people to once again head along to the various activities.

The festival’s opening parade takes place on Sunday, with events running throughout the week until June 1.

Betsy Fowler, chairwoman of the events group, said: “From our celebration of local heroes on Sunday to the family fun day, there is lots going on.

“Join us and celebrate all things Haddington!”

Sunday, May 26

  • 12.30pm – Open parade: Assemble at the Corn Exchange.
  • 1pm – Haddington Heroes Awards: St Mary’s Church with Goats’ Toes.
  • 2pm – Picnic in the garden: St Mary’s Pleasance. Bring your own picnic.
  • Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm – Guided tours of Lennoxlove House: Visit Lennoxlove House. Book all tours online at lennoxlove.com
  • All day – Haddington CFC Football Festival: Years 2013/14/15, under-12 girls. Register with colinbowsher39@gmail.com

Monday, May 27

  • 11am – Amisfield Walled Garden walking tour: Gardens will be open for visitors from 10am to 4pm.
  • 1.30-4.30pm – St Mary’s Church and Pleasance: Church and Pleasance will be open for visitors.
  • 2pm – Blooming Haddington walking tour: A 90-minute tour of the town’s gardens. Meet outside the John Gray Centre. Donations appreciated.
  • 6pm – Author event and book launch with question-and-answer session at John Gray Centre Star Room: ‘A Farmer in East Lothian’. Margaret Cannon has published a source for the history of farming in East Lothian. Copies of the book will be available – bring cash.

Tuesday, May 28

  • 11am – Amisfield Walled Garden walking tour: Gardens will be open for visitors from 10am to 4pm.
  • 2pm – St Mary’s Church tour: Tour of church led by Provost John McMillan. Church and Pleasance will be open for visitors 1.30-4.30pm.

Wednesday, May 29

  • 11am – Amisfield Walled Garden walking tour: Gardens will be open for visitors from 10am to 4pm.
  • Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm – Guided tours at Lennoxlove House. Book all tours online at lennoxlove.com
  • 2pm – Blooming Haddington walking tour: A 90-minute tour of the town’s gardens. Meet outside the John Gray Centre. Donations appreciated.
  • 6.30pm-8.30pm – Petanque, Lady Kitty’s Garden: Haddington Twinning Association. An informal evening, all welcome, boules provided.
  • 7pm – Boat race: Boat race with games for children, face-painting, bouncy castle and food vendors. Tickets at bit.ly/4doFIua

Thursday, May 30

  • 11am – Amisfield Walled Garden walking tour: Gardens will be open for visitors from 10am to 4pm.
  • Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm – Guided tours of Lennoxlove House. Book all tours online at lennoxlove.com
  • 6pm – John Gray Centre Film Appreciation Club Star Room: Film from the ‘Green Impact Film Season’ with post-screening discussions. £5 donation. Film details from the library.
  • 7pm – Bingo: Nungate Community Centre.
  • 7.30pm – Macmillan Cancer fundraising quiz night: Haddington Rugby Football Club. Tickets are available for cash at The Foraging Goat, Gibsons and Craigs Carpets, or phone 07792 635423. Buy tickets in advance.

Friday, May 31

  • 11am – Amisfield Walled Garden walking tour: Gardens will be open for visitors from 10am to 4pm.
  • Noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm – Guided tours of Lennoxlove House. Book all tours online at lennoxlove.com
  • 1.30-4.30pm – St Mary’s Church and Pleasance: Church and Pleasance will be open for visitors.
  • 2pm – Blooming Haddington walking tour: A 90-minute tour of the town’s gardens. Meet outside the John Gray Centre. Donations appreciated.
  • 2pm – MADE Crafting: Two-hour jungle-themed workshop for children and families, £5. Email madeineastlothian@gmail.com
  • 6.30pm – Silent disco: Nungate Community Centre. Tickets from bit.ly/4b02iHC

Saturday, June 1

  • Noon – Fancy dress contest, jungle theme: Whittingehame Drive. Age categories 0-3, 4-7, 8-12, 12-plus, adults.
  • 12.30pm – Fancy dress parade from Whittingehame Drive to Neilson Park.
  • 1pm – Family fun day at Neilson Park: Funfair, food trucks, stalls, face-painting and more.
  • 2pm – Tennis club open day on the courts at Neilson Park. All ages welcome. Racquets provided.
  • 6.30pm – Garleton Singers: Music from stage and screen at Knox Academy. Tickets £15 and available from garletonsingers.co.uk and Kesley’s Bookshop.
  • 7.30pm – The Collie’s Shed: Play based in a Men’s Shed in East Lothian. Held at the Corn Exchange. Go to thebrunton.co.uk/whats-on/the-collies-shed for tickets.