SUNDAY saw a record crowd of around 6000 people at Lochore Meadows Country Park for the Benarty children's Gala.

It was also a day when the sunshine was present for the event with light clouds occasionally keeping the sun at bay, but the fierce wind which plagued Kelty Gala the previous day was much lighter.

It all started with a fantastic parade form Benarty Centre through Lochore and Crosshill, right down to the park with the streets lined with thousands of people.

This was also the first year that the main street had its bunting up. It was also a first time that the Benarty Events Group had the local bikers in the parade and also down at the park. Their superb machines were a big attraction.

This year saw a record number of gala boxes totalling 2600 which was another first.

At the park again there was a lot of entertainment for the youngsters to enjoy.

Lochgelly High School Pipe again lead the parade along with Leven Pipe Band and the accordion band, along with the two local primary schools St Kenneth's & Benarty. Lochgelly High School were also in attendance with a stall at the gala.

There were also representatives from different parts of the Forces on what was national Armed Forces Day and their various displays were popular.

Just to mention the stalls, there were a huge number of different things from tombola's, cake n candy etc.

Lochgelly undertaker and running enthusiast, John Gilfillan, kept the crowds all on their toes with his fine array of the kids/adult races and a big thank-you went to John from the Events Group.

BEG's Michael O'Hare said: "Once again there could not be any event if it wasn't for the volunteers who put so much time and effort in for these events to go on so also a big thanks to everyone involved.

"Local businesses, Baynes, Alex Campbell (North Road Garage), Bedlam Promotions, Ian Malvennan (Roweb, and Emma from Williamson Haulage all deserve thanks for their transport which made the floats possible.

"As always our resident DJ, Ronnie Mackie, compered the event for us, and finishing off the day in her own personal way was the fantastic vocalist Pamela and her dancers.

"Also a big thanks to Ian Laing and his team at the park, the local police team, Apollo Promotions, Peter and Janette Murphy, and to everyone that participated in the parade and the gala, a huge thanks."

Michael also observed: "This must go down as the biggest event and gala that the park has seen.

"Everyone had a fantastic day, and already people are looking forward to our next event which is ROCKORE on the August 19, again at Lochore Meadows Country Park. "Tickets are available from the Events Group and online at Skiddle. Thanks once again to everyone involved. TEAM WORK MAKES DREAMS WORK."

Pictures courtesy of Derek Johnstone.