ORGANISERS of the Haddington Festival are hoping the community will come together over the coming week.

The event has been a staple of the town’s social calendar since 1968, with thousands of people enjoying the annual celebrations.

This year’s programme has now been printed and distributed, with organisers calling on everyone in the town to come together.

Betsy Fowler, chairperson of the town’s events group, highlighted the importance of the festival to the town.

She said: “I think it is the sense of the community, the importance of community and, especially post-Covid, bringing people back together.

“They want to be part of it, part of the town, and I just think it is an opportunity to celebrate what we have here.

“For the new people coming in, it is a chance to experience life in Haddington, what people are committed to being involved in and providing for the local community.”

More than 30 events are planned from Sunday through to next Saturday (June 1).

Activities range from parades and fancy dress contests through to a play set in the county and a fundraising quiz.

Mrs Fowler, who is also a member of Haddington and District Community Council, revealed the planning that had gone into the event.

She said: “I took it on in January and it has been non-stop ever since!

“It has been a steep learning curve but an enjoyable one.

“It has really helped me to get to know the people of Haddington.”

Festival week opens with a parade from Haddington’s Corn Exchange at 12.30pm on Sunday.

Then, at St Mary’s Church, there is a celebration of Haddington Heroes.

The events group chairperson added: “I am just excited to be given the opportunity to be the chair of the festival this year.

“One of the highlights for me is going to be the Haddington Heroes.

“People were nominated for their services to Haddington.”

Provost John McMillan, who lives in the town, was similarly looking forward to the festival getting under way.

He said: “I think it is just so important for the community.

“I think it is great to see the community council getting involved and new folk volunteering.

“Betsy has brought real energy and it is an opportunity for folk to get together.

“The awards ceremony they have started to do is a nice way of recognising the heroes.

“They have kept some traditions going and that is important for the older residents and new residents to see what is going on and what went on in the past.”

Click here to see the full programme.