THE curtain has come down on a town’s annual summer celebration.

Haddington Festival ran from May 26 through to Saturday, when the annual family fun day filled Neilson Park.

Betsy Fowler, chairperson of the Haddington events team, was pleased to see the weather improve, after the opening parade was wiped out by torrential rain.

Mrs Fowler, who is also a member of the town’s community council, thanked everyone for their continued support.

She said: “The sun came out and the town came together to celebrate with a wonderful parade through the town, celebrating the jungle theme.

Natalie Campbell, from Knox Academy, and Christine Read, from Haddington and District Community Council, outside Haddington Day Centre which clinched first place in the window competition

Natalie Campbell, from Knox Academy, and Christine Read, from Haddington and District Community Council, outside Haddington Day Centre which clinched first place in the window competition

“The pipe band in costume, as ever, leading the way; our Nungate Gala queen leading the parade of children and adults to the opening of the fun day at Neilson Park.

“A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who supported the event, the vendors and craft stalls, the first aid team, the funfair and classic Minis group.

“Finally, a massive thank you to all the folk who came to enjoy the day with us, and the events team who gave countless hours to make sure everything went ahead.”

The festival has regularly brought people together in the town since it was established in 1968.

Since then, hundreds of events have taken place throughout the town.

This year’s festival included the recognition of the best the town has to offer through the Haddington Heroes Awards.

Natalie Campbell, from Knox Academy, and Christine Read, from Haddington and District Community Council, alongside Margaret Johnston, of Animal Magic, which came joint first in the window competition

Natalie Campbell, from Knox Academy, and Christine Read, from Haddington and District Community Council, alongside Margaret Johnston, of Animal Magic, which came joint first in the window competition

Tours of Amisfield Walled Garden and the nearby Lennoxlove House were also on offer, while a walking tour of the town’s gardens was given by green-fingered Blooming Haddington volunteers.

A book launch, bingo and a performance of The Collie’s Shed, which was written by Shelley Middler, who works in the town’s Aubigny Sports Centre, were also on offer throughout the week.

Mrs Fowler said: “There were also a number of events during the week that brought people out to celebrate ‘all things Haddington’ and it was wonderful to see the town buzzing and the children with clipboards taking part in the window competition.

“Thanks to all of the shops and businesses who participated this year to make sure we had a wonderful finale to the week.”

Mrs Fowler described the window competition as “amazing” and told the Courier that judges struggled to pick a winner and instead decided there should be two for each prize.

In first were: Haddington Day Centre and Animal Magic; second: Kevin Watt Butchers and Dillon’s hairdressers; third: Café 24 and Fabrication.