FROM now stretching until the middle of September, the bunting is out across East Lothian’s high streets, with gardens and shop windows colourfully decorated in themed displays to celebrate local galas, parades and festivals.

Already at Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Gala, primary school children have formed their court and soon will be parading between the two harbours and crowning their queen.

With other events including Whitecraig Gala, Musselburgh Festival, and Dunbar Civic Week on the horizon too, residents look forward to getting together and celebrating their annual events with friends and neighbours.

Most are historic events, dating back centuries, born of workers’ struggles and community comradeship, focusing on fundraising for local projects. And young people are elected to positions, a public acknowledgement of the place of the next generation.

After the hardships of dark winter months, the longer brighter days are an added incentive to get together and share community, heritage and continuity. In an ever-changing world, these events have even more significance.

This weekend, we are all invited to participate in the biggest national gala celebration, the coronation of King Charles III.

Families will gather round TVs to witness this extraordinary event in our kingdom’s ancient history.

The first king of Scotland, England and Ireland was James VI in 1603. The heritage cannot be denied.

The continuity and stability we enjoy is reinforced by a monarchy that enables and binds the peoples of the four nations in our United Kingdom together.

As our local galas enrich our communities, our King, as inherited head of state, reinforces our world position and strengthens our energies to strive for prosperity, peace, harmony.

And for those of us not interested or engaged with the monarchy, let’s hope an extra day’s holiday will mellow our differences on the day; there’s plenty of quiche to go around.