HISTORY

On a stormy night in September 1935, a group of young men, joined by a few older companions, gathered in a loft in Hercus Loan, a space typically used by the local scout troop.

Among them were several well-known figures: George Colville, Bill Caird, Simon Clark, Alexander Maxwell, and Malcolm Kirk, to name a few. Inspired by the success of the 1935 Riding of the Marches, they felt a surge of local pride, one they believed was shared by many in the town, and sought to channel that spirit into an annual Festival.

The idea of creating a yearly celebration, one that would complement rather than compete with the Riding of the Marches, was immediately embraced. Since that night, a deep sense of pride has grown—surpassing even the boldest hopes and dreams of those who first gathered in that loft so many years ago.

The Riding of the Marches continues to be held every 21 years, with the next one scheduled for 2037. Meanwhile, the annual Festival Week remains a vibrant tradition, taking place during the final full week of July and offering a packed calendar of events for all ages to enjoy, thanks to the vision of that original group.