Upper Nithsdale - the natural place to visit, live and work.
Dating back to the 18th century, when the "Riding of the Marches" (i.e. the inspection of the burgh boundaries) is first mentioned in a Town Council minute of 1730, this annual August pageant of activities takes over the Dumfries & Galloway town of Sanquhar. It reaches a climax on the Saturday closest to 18 August (in 2005 that's the 20th), which marks the anniversary of the granting of the town's Royal Charter.
The week also includes a funfair, starting with the saching ceremony on the opening day, called Tolbooth Friday. On the main Saturday, as well as the riding of the marches from 8am, the Sanquhar Queen is crowned at 11am, followed by a cavalcade of horses, lorries and bands along the town's High Street at 12.30pm. Following entertainments and massed bands (from 5.15pm), there is a torchlight procession along High Street from 9.30pm.
Riding of the Marches, 10th - 19th August 2007
Ten days of events
Friday 10th Investiture of principals
Saturday 11th barbeque
Sunday 12th Kirkin of Cornet and flag is raised so our Burgh is in Festival
Monday 13th Krazy Games
Tueday 14th Troopers Ball
Wednesday 15th Ride out around the Burgh
Thursday 16th Fiddle Concert
Friday 17th Proclamation
Main day Saturday 18th August 2007, Ride the Marches over 100 horses, Coronation of Sanquhar Queen, Cornets report, parade of decorated floats, horses, bands, massed bands at 5.15pm, torchlight procession at 9.30pm.
A day not to be missed
For further information, contact the organisers on T: 01659 50551
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