Big crowds expected at fun-filled Musselburgh festival finale

Events kicked off with last week’s traditional Kirkin Sunday, a procession to St Michael’s Church, Inveresk, for the official party.

And tomorrow the Waterfront Family Day brings the festival to a close, including a raft race and harbour ceremony.

But before things are wrapped up, this morning will see the Rideout, which leaves Pinkie Pillars at 9am.

Left to right: Isabella Fleck, 3, Ellie Barclay, 5, Claya Rhar, 6, Catherine Fleck and Rory Barclay, 2.

Today’s events also include the Festival Day picnic at Musselburgh Racecourse and the Festival Ball at The Brunton from 7pm.

The week’s events included the ever-popular Crusaders’ Chase on Monday with horses and riders fording the River Esk near the Roman Bridge followed by a duck race.

That was followed by the customary Crusaders’ Chase night dance at Eskmills Bowling Club.

A new film about the lives of the Fisherrow fishwives was shown at the Baptist Church in New Street on Tuesday.

Vicki Hastie with Oliver Ross, 1 and Riley Wood, 4

The Fishwives of Fisherrow – Preserving the Heritage of a Lost Community was commissioned by the Fisherrow Waterfront Group and paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sports fans also got to enjoy a football tournament organised by Musselburgh Athletic the same night.

Tuesday also witnessed the Junior Rideout, with runners and riders in the saddle from Inveresk Industrial Estate.

The free family fun day was held on Wednesday at Lewisvale Park, with a festival tea dance at The Brunton on Thursday.

Yesterday’s festivities were the hugely popular fancy dress followed by a disco on Friday.