THE Musselburgh Festival is set to come to an end this weekend as the attractions for all generations continue to feature at the annual community event.

Alistair Barclay, president of the Honest Toun’s Association which organises the festival, said they were “delighted” with the first few days of festival week.

He said: “The weather has been on our side and every event has been well supported.

“We have some great feedback around the events so far, which we love to hear.”

He added: “We look forward to seeing everyone at the events over the last few days.

“We still have a few tickets left for our big family fun day on Saturday at the racecourse. Tickets are available online or from Blueberry Gifts on High Street.”

The fancy dress parade will assemble at Loretto RC School playground at 6.30pm this evening (Friday). A badminton competition will be held at Queen Margaret University at 8pm this evening.

Saturday marks Festival Day – the only occasion the Burgh Standard is carried on horseback, a role that is undertaken by the Honest Lad and this year the honour falls to Billy Innes. The 2024 Honest Lass Eilidh Bonthron will deliver a scroll to the headmaster of Loretto School at Pinkie House in recognition of friendship throughout the years.

The procession and ride out, led by chief marshall Ian Ritchie will then leave from Pinkie Pillars, while the band will start on the beat of the drum as they approach the Town Hall at 8.50am.

The riders will then head along High Street onto Eskside West to ford the Esk before making their way to Whitecraig via Inveresk. The ride will head cross country before stopping at Crookston Farm, returning to Wallyford and on to Levenhall before the gallop along the back of the racecourse.

The riders will head to Fisherrow for the gallop along the beach, followed by a short ceremony at the harbour. At this point, the ride will become a procession from North High Street, Bridge Street and High Street, where the Honest Lad returns the flag to the honorary provost, Councillor Cher Cassini, “unsullied and unstained”. There will be a presentation to the youngest and oldest riders before the riders head to the racecourse to take part in the festival races.

The annual festival day, sponsored by the Ravelston, will be enjoyed at the racecourse after the festival day ride out. There will be a music and beer tent, headlined by The Lost Boys and including Fiona Grant and Jamie Lee Morley, while children can be treated to free funfair rides, a gaming bus, pony rides and face painting. Also featured are a gin and prosecco bar, Miami ride, giant inflatables, assault course, merry-go-round, climbing wall, bouncy castle, spider wall, stilt walkers, craft stalls and a fire engine.

Doors open at 1pm, with last entry at 4.30pm and the day drawing to a close at 6pm. Entry for adults is £5 each and each adult can take up to four children free of charge but they still need tickets to attend. To buy tickets, go to ticket source.co.uk/musselburgh-festi val-week or visit Blueberry Gifts.

Musselburgh Rugby Club will host the Big Burgh Bash at 7pm, bringing the festival to an end.