23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Families enjoy a fantastic day at annual children's gala day in Armadale
Generations have taken part in fantastic events since 1900
Thousands of residents lined the streets to enjoy the annual Armadale Children's Gala Day on Saturday.
The gala day first took place 125 years ago and is always a very special day in the town's calendar each year.
Generation after generation have taken part in fantastic days over the decades since 1900 and this year didn't disappoint, with the good weather ensuring there was no chance of a washout.
Hundreds of young people from the town took part in the procession at the event that is traditionally held on the third Saturday of June.
Over 30 streets had houses decorated in different themes especially for the gala day. First place winners were situated in Dalyell Place, Drove Road, Shaw Avenue, and Southdale Avenue.
A civic week precedes the gala with events including, a sports night, a quiz night, Party in the Park, a cabaret for over-50s, and the night before the big day is the highly anticipated Proclamation of Queen-elect.
And at Saturday's parade there were special cheers for this year's Queen of Hearts, Molly, as she made her way through the streets.
The gala committee thanked the local community via Facebook: "Big thanks again to everyone who helped and supported us, we have a truly amazing community.
"Bathgate & Blackridge Committee for judging our houses, fancy dress and lorries. We are always happy to return the favour.
"All the businesses and individuals who donated water - this was a really kind gesture and we were blown away with how kind our community is."
Sadly, the committee is now faced a bill that could amount to around £2,500 after a marquee erected was targeted by vandals, it was daubed in graffiti and sustained fire damage. This could result in the marquee not being there next year. Portable toilets were also left damaged.
To see more great photos from this year's gala day taken by members of Blackridge Camera Club, pick up a copy of the West Lothian Courier.
