New backdrop for crowning ceremony of Tain community festival

A Tain community festival has rung the changes with a new calendar of events for 2023 – including the location of the crowning ceremony of its Queen, Princess, Prince and attendant.

Tain Gala Community Festival welcomes the local community for its latest annual gathering this week, and this year they have chosen the Rose Garden as the backdrop for the unveiling of this year's royal party

Officially opened in 1966 by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to commemorate the creation of Tain as a Royal Burgh in 1066, the Rose Garden is situated in the centre of the town.

Formerly the grounds of the Commercial Bank, the community garden is looked after and maintained by volunteer group, Tain Task Force.

The Gala association revealed this year’s Gala Queen “to be” as Kiera Young back in April.

Also named were Leona Afrin as Gala Attendant, Kornelia Porozynscy as Gala Princess and Jay Rooney as Gala Prince.

Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony on Thursday (June 29) from 6pm after which Tain Pipe Band will lead a parade down to Tain Links, where the newly crowned Gala party will take their place in the centre ring.

The parade will be followed by a pet show, sponsored by Johnston & Farrell Veterinary Practice, before the marquee plays host to the Tain and District Talent Showcase.

Tain’s Rose Garden also hosted a Kings Coronation Community Celebration on May 8, organised by Tain Gala Association.

An afternoon of music and entertainment, provided by Ronnie Ross, was enjoyed by all who attended, bringing a blanket and picnic to enjoy in good weather.

The Rose Garden has become a focal point for community activity in Tain, most significantly as the regular location for the town’s community markets.

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