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'Riding of the Marches'

It is that time of year again when a number of areas in the Borders of Scotland hold their annual Galas and Riding of the Marches. This tradition began many centuries ago in the 'lawless' days. The events are survivals of an old practice of riding the town boundaries to presserve burgh rights and to prevent encroachment by neighbouring landlords. Should you be in or around Lockerbie from Saturday 5th June until Saturday 12th then the following events are a must for you to visit. If you miss out on this years timetable then keep a watchful lookout for next years dates.

Saturday 5th June - Crowning of the 2004 Gala Queen and Installation of 2004 Principals (Cornet, Cornets Lass and Standard Bearer). This will take place in McJerrow Park, Lockerbie at 7pm (Townhall if adverse weather).

Sunday 6th June - Kirkin of Principals in the Holy Trinity church, Lockerbie. The parade of all Principals past and present to meet at the Station Square at 10.30am for the service to begin at 11am. Also on the same date, 'It's A Knockout' (as seen on TV) will take place at King Edward Park, Lockerbie at 1.30pm. This is a special event to celebrate our Jubilee Year. The event is FREE and promises to be a funfilled afternoon for all the family.

Monday 7th June - Mid Annandale FC Primary Football Competition will take place in King Edward Park at 6.00pm. This event is organised by the Lockerbie Rotary Club. Also on the same night is the final rideout before the Marches.
This is the Cornets rideout and will leave the Auction Market at 6.30pm.

Tuesday 8th June - The childrens Fun Run will be held in Lockerbie Academy playing fields at 6.30pm.

Wednesday 9th June - Childrens Fancy Dress competion will be held in Lockerbie Town Hall at 6.00pm. Last year there were over 70 children who took part in this event. The children will once again be entertained by Douglas the Clown (who will also be judging).

Thursday 10th June - Penalty Kicks competition for all ages at King Edward Park beginning at 6.00pm and the Teddy Bears Picnic will take place in the Masonic Hall.

Friday 11th June - Cornets Ball in Lockerbie Town Hall. Cornet and Cornets Lass's procession will take place at 9.15pm along the High Street and into the Town Hall.

GALA DAY Saturday 12th June:
8.25am - Crying the Fair
8.30am - Cornet is instructed to ride round the Ancient Loanings and along the Marches and Meiths of the Lamb Fairground and to report whether these have been encroached upon in any way.
8.45am - Cavalcade leaves the Cross
9.30am - Decorated vehicles and Bands assemble for parade
10.45am - Parade of vintage tractors and cars
11.30am - Parade joins Cavalcade at the Town Hall
12.30pm - Turn Up in McJerrow Park. This is an action packed fun filled family afternoon including quad biking, pony rides, paintballing, Tricky Ricky Childrens Fun Magician, bouncy castles, vintage cars and tractors, face painting, Dumfries and Galloway Dog Agility Displays and much more ....
6.30pm - March past by the Massed bands.
7.15pm - Cornet signs scroll at the War Memorial and the Burgh Standard is handed back to the Chairman by the Standard Bearer
7.25pm - Beating the Retreat
7.30pm - Family Ceilidh (dancing to Two Left Feet Ceilidh Band) and children being entertained by a Childrens Entertainer.

There will be musical entertainment throughout the day from the following bands: Lockerbie British Legion Pipe Band, The Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band, Moffat Pipe Band, Lochmaben Pipe Band, Dumfries Town Band and the Blythe Heart Marching Childrens Band.

Five rideouts have already taken place with riders having to have taken part in 3 rideouts to be able to ride the Marches. Other events that have already taken place include a Challenge Night, Tug of War, Pet Show, and Gymkhana.

©Scotland4me.net 2004