COMMUNITIES Day 2024 attracted about 350 people who flocked to see the range of activities on offer in the Musselburgh area.

The annual event, held at the Fisherrow Centre recently, is organised by Musselburgh Area Partnership (MAP), which allocates a budget from East Lothian Council to projects and is involved in initiatives in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig.

Gaynor Allen, area partnership chair, said: “Communities Day 2024 was another huge success, with so many people coming along to find out what is going on in their community and support the organisations.

“We had sports clubs, organisations dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, groups for young and old, crafts and lots more.

“The event was brilliantly organised by Alister Hadden and the area partnership’s Communities Day sub-group and was enjoyed by all.

“Thank you to everyone who came along on the day and all the volunteers who gave up their time to participate in the event.

“It is a huge part of the Musselburgh Area Partnership calendar.”

A free cafe with soup from the Musselburgh Cook Club was enjoyed.

There was something for everyone, with face painting and balloon modelling, and a room dedicated to seniors.

There was information available on organisations in the area, what they do and how to join them.

The event featured the Clark Concert Party, Senior Moments, a ukulele band, and The Warblers, a singing group for people with lung conditions.

There was a chance to view a tapestry about the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, which was fought between the Scots and English in the Musselburgh area in 1547.

The Dementia Friendly group was represented and cost-of-living information was available, as well as the Scrap Store and arts and crafts.

Sport is also an important part of Communities Day, with multisports with East Lothian’s Active Schools’ service and Musselburgh Cricket Club, Musselburgh Youngstars Football Club, Musselburgh Rugby Club and East Lothian Pickleball Club represented.

There were free bike checks. Motorcycles and boats from Eskmuthe Community Rowing Club and Musselburgh Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets were on display.

Mr Hadden, MAP vice-chair, said: “The Fisherrow Centre did everything in its power to help facilitate the groups, clubs and organisations who took part and contributed to the Communities Day event.

“In partnership with the Musselburgh Area Partnership’s Communities Day team, it endeavoured to make it the best day for visitors who experienced what so many groups, clubs and organisations do within and for our communities, which is extraordinary. They were given the opportunity to join or be part of something that would suit them personally.

“MAP express their thanks and appreciation to everyone who supported and attended our event.”

A number of businesses donated either food or a voucher for the event: Nairn’s biscuits, S Luca of Musselburgh, Bayne’s bakery Musselburgh, Quinnsters Takeaway, Company Bakery, Kaffeine, Dal Patino, Gurkha Bar & Restaurant, The Willow, Fruit & Bakes, and Jaz’s Fish Bar.

The vouchers were won by people who attended Communities Day and completed appraisal forms which entered them into a prize draw.