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What's On
Gala Week
In the week prior to Gala day, we provide an abundance of entertainment for the community, as well as opportunities to meet neighbours and make new friends through volunteering.
- On Monday and Tuesday we host the Gala 5-a-Side ⚽️Football Tournament.
- On Wednesday, bring your dog along to the D'Mains park for our Scrufts Dog Show!
- On Thursday, lay out our outfit and make sure you have purchased your tickets!
- On Friday, join our fun bunch of volunteers to set up for Gala day. Sign up here.
- On Saturday, volunteers help with final set up and then it's Parade time at 11:30 am!
- Followed by the Gala 12:00 - 4:00 pm at Lauriston Castle.
Get ready for a magical day at Davidson’s Mains Children's Gala!
We are delighted to welcome you back to this year’s gala packed with fun, flavour, and fantastic community spirit! There’s something for everyone.
Avoid the queues at the gate by buying your wristband ticket BEFORE Gala day.
Parade on Main Street (Davidson's Mains)
The Parade starts at 11:30 am on Gala day.
- The parade sets off from The Green
- Turns Right onto Main Street
- Turns Right onto Cramond Road South
- Turning Right again into Lauriston Castle
Parade participants should assemble on The Green at 11:15 am. All parade participants must have an entry wristband, see ticket detials below.
👑 Royal Proclamation
At 12:00 on the Gala stage, the children of the Gala Court shall proclaim Gala day open for all to enjoy!
On Stage at Lauriston Castle
12:00 pm - 👑 Royal Proclamation by the Gala Court
12:30 pm - Fancy Dress Competition - categories for under 5's and 6-9 years old
12:50 pm - Davidson’s Mains P6/P7 Choir
13:10 pm - West Side Chorus
13:30 pm - Generation Edinburgh
13:50 pm - La Belle Arts
14:10 pm - Kelly Academy of Irish Dance
14:30 pm - Waterfront Dance Studio
14:50 pm - BW Dance Works
15:10 pm - Magic Gareth
15:30 pm - Stage End
Animals
We'll have furry and scaly creatures to adore! Walk to the far end of the field to the quiet zone where you will find....
- 🐴 Ponies - Pony rides will run from 1:00 pm.
- 🦙 Alpacas
- 🦉 Owls
- 🦎 Zoo Madness (small critters)
Races & Sports
Pre-register at the racetrack from 1:00 pm to then join the races at 2:00 pm. There will be races for Nursery through to P7 with 🥇 medals for the winners!
Head to the far end of the field for activities from...
- ⚽️ Cramond Football
- ⚽️ Super Strikers - Beat the Goalie
- 🏉 Rhinos Rugby
And 12:00 - 1:00 pm on the racetrack you will find...
- 🎾 Smash It Tennis Academy
Fun Fair & Entertainment
As always, Tayors Fun Fair will be providing exciting rides, amusements and food.
We'll also have joyful entertainment from Magic Gareth, Punch & Judy and ThinkCircus!
Entertainment Includes...
- 🎠 Taylor's Fun Fair
- 🤹 ThinkCircus
- 🪄 Magic Gareth
- 🎎 Punch & Judy
- 🦎 Zoo Madness
- 🎨 Quiet activities in the Yurt
- 🧸 Bring your teddy for a checkup with the veterinarian
- 🦙 Alpacas
- 🐴 Ponies
- ✨Glitter bar
- 🧑🎨 Facepainting
- 🚔 Police cars to explore
- 💃 Dance workshops
- 📚 Library Bus and stories
- 🧵Crafts, dress up and other activities offered by stallholders
- And more!
Vehicles
For those who love to see how things work, you'll be pleased know we'll have both a modern and historical 🚔 police car to explore, as well as a 🚒 fire engine (unless they need to leave for a call!).
Activities in the Yurt
🛖🎪 Brand New This Year at the Gala!
We have added a cozy, creative space for demonstrations and experiences. Whether you’re feeling curious, crafty, lively or need to relax there’s something here for everyone.
Step into the magical world of the Yurt – it’s bursting with activity and inspiration!
What’s on and when:
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Get Crafty with Kiss the Fish Arts and a craft Studios.
Join regular favourite Kiss the Fish for a fun-filled demonstration and hands-on workshop. Buy a craft kit, join in and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home!
1:00 – 1.30 PM: Story Time with Fiona Lowry
Snuggle up for an imaginative reading session with beloved children’s author Fiona Lowry as she shares tales from her latest book. Perfect for little ones (and the young at heart)!
1.30-2.00 PM Join Tess from the library bus
A lively interactive session of stories, rhymes and singing, suitable for babies, toddlers, pre schoolers and the adults too!
2:00 – 2:30 PM: Eco-Magic with Bambu
Want to go green at home? Learn how to make up your own eco-friendly cleaner in this quick and practical demo by the sustainability pros Bambu.
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Flower Cupcake Decorating with Sweet Bellas
Get ready for a treat! Former Gala Court member and Sweet Bellas owner Sarah will show you how to turn a cupcake into a blooming masterpiece.
3.00-3.30pm Discover the Buzz About Bees with Friends of Lauriston!
Dive into the fascinating world of bees with local beekeeper John Jeffrey from Friends of Lauriston.
Discover the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem, John will share his passion, knowledge, and a few amazing bee facts. This is a talk you don’t want to miss!
From 3:30 PM: Drumming with Norinemindeyes Culture Connect
This may take place on the race track rather than the Yurt. Watch out for more. information on the day.
Feel the rhythm and let loose with a joyful, interactive drumming session. Norinemindeyes Culture Connect brings the beat – you bring your voice or best moves!
Come and go as you please – the Yurt is your go-to spot for creativity, culture, and community.
Explore & Create
We’ve got a fantastic range of stalls this year. Returning friends include D'Mains Parish Church, Almond Community Safety Panel, and Friends of Lauriston who will be selling plants to give your garden a summer glow-up.
Joining us new this year: is Stepping Stones who will be selling their handmade crafts, and Explore Learning, where kids can dive into fun learning games.
Batchelor Davidson & Watson Vets are back with their beloved role-play are - make sure to bring along with your teddy for a check-up at the 🧸 Teddy Hospital!
For a bit of traditional gala fun, join Edinburgh March Riding for 🐥Hook-a-Duck and exciting competitions. Football fans can practice with Super Strikers, while dancers can join DN Dance for demos and goody bags.
Walk home with those faces painted and returning this year with facepainting we have 🧑🎨 Facepainting by Scarlet and sparkling glitter tattoos from ✨ Melanie’s Glitter Bar, also including festival hair!
The 📚 Library Bus returns, and so does author Fiona Lowry, selling copies of her book. Fiona will also be reading from her book in our Yurt at 1pm. Remember to get it signed!
Get creative with Kiss the Fish, offering both take-home and hands-on crafts, or check out Bambu’s 🧼 fragrant eco soaps and a special demo on how to make your own eco cleaner in our Yurt at 2pm.
Don’t forget to browse and treat yourselves from our amazing stallholders.
We have local artist Ally Smith, Silverbean Jewellery, Lothian Books, That Tie Dye Place, Bonnie Crafts, Handmade by Dot, and Iggys.
List of Stallholders
- Friends of Lauriston Castle - selling plants and honey
- Stepping Stones Charity
- Batchelor Davidson Watson Vet - bring your teddy for a checkup!
- Explore Learning - promoting learning classes free trials
- Brownies - S'mores
- March Riding Association - games competitions
- Norinemindeyes Culture Connect - African drumming, hair braiding and foods
- DN Dance - dance demos
- Cramond football club
- Face painting by Mel - glitter and braids
- Scarlet facepainting
- Davidson's Mains Christmas Lights - selling candy floss
- Silverbean Jewellery
- Ally Smith Art
- Bambu - eco cleaners and soaps
- Lothian Books
- Fiona Lowry - children’s books author
- Kiss the fish - crafts
- Melting heart Tablet
- Sweet Bella’s - cakes
- Bonnie Crafts
- Handmade by Dot - crafts
- That Tie Dye Place - clothing and accessories
Food
We have a variety of food to tempt you.
Returning favourites this year include our ever-popular Scouts with their sizzling hot dogs, and Pizza Paddock are back serving up their delicious wood-fired artisan pizzas. Joining us for the first time are the Chick Kings, hopefully bringing the heat with their mouth watering, spicy, juicy chicken.
It wouldn’t be a gala without ice cream and Luca’s Ice Cream Van is back with their classic cool you down favourites. D'Mains Christmas Lights are once again spinning the candy floss— don’t forget that every sugary bite will support a Merry and Bright village this Christmas!
Plus, treat yourself to the gooey s’mores lovingly made by our local Brownies.
After all that food if you need to quench your thirst there will be cold drinks and slushies from Cramond Football Club.
Norinemindeyes Culture Connect are also selling African snacks alongside their vibrant live singing and drumming performances.
Stop by Melting Heart Tablet and Sweet Bella’s Cakes and take home sweet treats to indulge later - you won’t be disappointed!
Sweet Bella’s is also doing a flower cupcake decorating demonstration at 2.30pm in our Yurt.
List of food providers:
- 30th Craigalmond Scouts selling hot dogs, chili, home baking, tea, coffee and more
- Pizza paddock
- Chick Kings
- Luca's Ice Cream
- Melting Heart Tablet
- Candy Floss by D'Mains Christmas Lights
- Norinemindeyes Culture Connect - African foods
- Brownies - S'mores
- Sweet Bella's cakes
- Drinks and slushies from Cramond Footbal
- Taylor's Burgers and chips
- Taylor's Churros