The sun shone despite the heavy rain forecast for Kelso’s St James’ Fair last weekend.
“It was just magic,” chairman Peter Fry said. “The fair makes a happy town and happy people. The attendance was huge: around 10,000 people.”
Attractions included a pet parade (featuring owls, puppies and a lad with a painted tiger face), and talent-spotting, with Kelso High School vocalist and guitarist Sarah Burton, harpist Sally-Anne Scott, Irish dancer Liam Cash, and Hawick singer Iona Cuthbert.
Kelso Square and Horsemarket packed in 40 craft, food and antique stalls, as well as the fun fair, the parade, and the crowning of King (Matt Ballantyne), Queen (Rosie Kelly), Standard Bearer (Andrew Lawson), and Cushion Bearer (Emma Scott-Watson).
Music followed from George Kennedy, Berwick band Risky Numbers, and folk rock from Karl Robins and Kelso trio Random Connections.
St James’ Fair began as far back as the 12th century, and it was resumed in 2004.
“The fair runs at a loss every year,” admitted Mr Fry, “but we fundraise throughout the year to make up the shortfall. The fair costs between £9-11,000 every year, but we’ve brought that down to £8,500, and we’re paying the bands more.”