A Gala procession to be proud of!
THE gala day season is now well under way and Bathgate could not have asked for more as the scorching sunshine brought the town's residents out in their droves to enjoy the festivities.
Revellers at the event, officially known as the Bathgate Procession & John Newland Festival, said it was the best gala day for years as temperatures soared melting the thousands of ice creams in hands as the walk made its way round town.
Rhian Sutherland, who was walking with her daughter Louisa for Bathgate West Nurersy, said: "The sun makes all the difference.
"It's the second (one] I've taken part in with the nursery and it was great to see the streets lined with people smiling and laughing with everyone in the walk."
The walk, which started at the Old Academy in Marjoribanks Street, was delayed for around 40 minutes due to an ambulance emergency elsewhere in the town, but the crowds cheered when it finally made off.
And once the procession reached Meadow Park, a host of entertainment awaited including the Jamie Squibb Freestyle Motocross Stunt Show, stunt men, a birds of prey display and a massed bands procession, which included the Bathgate Band, Newland Concert Brass Band and the Galashiels Ex Service Pipe Band.
Officials from the procession committee were joined this year by the Mayor of Cran-Gevrier in France and nine colleagues from Bathgate's official twin town who couldn't fail to be impressed with the proceedings.
Bathgate Procession secretary Jim Walker, also a Bathagate councillor, said he was "delighted" at the turnout.
"Myself and the organising committee were delighted with the events of the weekend and would like to express their thanks to all who participated in the procession, with a special mention to all the nursery and primary schools for their excellent turnout.
"Thanks also to all of the float builders, those parents who decorated their houses and all of our sponsors who contributed to make Bathgate Procession the county's leading festival."
This year's principal characters were Sarah Rooney (Princess Marjory) and Andrew McGuire (Walter, Lord High Steward.
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Weather for Bathgate
Friday 18 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
