Build-up to Bathgate Procession is underway

May 28 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

THE celebrations to mark the run up to this year’s Bathgate Procession are already well underway.

This past week has seen a host of special events take place to mark the beginning of the town’s festivities, with many more still to come.

Last Saturday, the ever-popular mile of pennies was held in George Street and a fundraising race night was held at Regal Community Theatre.

Sunday saw the church parade take place in St John’s Church, following a parade by uniformed groups from the Guide Hall.

Balbardie Sports Centre saw the inter primary school competition take place on Monday night with the inter primary swimming gala taking place at the swimming pool on Wednesday.

This Saturday (May 30) will see a street fair take place in George Street from 6pm with Newland Concert Band providing the music. Children’s entertainment will also be provided.

Sunday will see a five-a-side football tournament take place at Balbardie Park from 1pm.

A special concert by The Tartan Lads will also take place in the Regal Community Theatre from 7.30pm, with tickets priced £6 available from the Regal or committee members.

On Tuesday (June 2), children’s sports will be held in Meadow Park from 6.30pm and the following day the annual trivia quiz will be held in the British Legion at 8pm.

Next Thursday (June 4), Bathgate Rotary Club will host its Young Musician of the Year event at the Regal Community Theatre at 7pm.

And the Newland Oration will be delivered by former Bathgate Academy pupil, Ian Hossack, at 8pm on Friday (June 5) in the High Church Hall.