BENARTY Events Group’s Community Lottery is seven years old this week and will continue to "create memories" by funding the brilliant events and activities that take place in the area.

After a tough time during the pandemic they're hoping to hit the jackpot in 2022 with the return of major attractions such as the pipe band and Highland dancing competitions, the gala and Rockore – the music festival with headline act Hugh Cornwell, former frontman of the Stranglers.

The group's chairman, Eddie Easson, said: "Every pound taken in in the lottery goes back out to our fantastic community to make our events special.

"We set out to create memories for everyone who attends the events.

"It could be young children going to pantomimes to our older generation attending our weekly Companions Club.”

He continued: "Life has been a struggle the last two years through the pandemic with events cancelled everywhere, not just in our community.

"Hopefully the pandemic will just be a sad memory to look back on."

"This year we hope to be back to normal with all our events well down the planning route.

"Saturday June 18 sees the return of the Benarty Pipe Band Competition.

"In years past we have had bands from all over the world compete.

"On the same day we have our hugely successful Highland dancing competition. Massive thanks goes to Sarah Hendry for totally organising this event."

The following week, on Sunday June 26, it's the "main event in our calendar" with the return of the Benarty Gala.

Eddie said: "We always have a fantastic parade leaving the Benarty Centre heading to Lochore Meadows Country Park.

"At the park there will be various events happening throughout the day. If anyone would like to be part of the parade or gala you are always welcome."

Another huge event for the group this summer will be Rockore on Saturday August 27.

He added: "Our music festival is getting recognised as one the best small festivals in the country.

"This year will be the same with a great line-up of some local bands, some tribute acts and two great headliners, one of them being Hugh Cornwell, formerly of The Stranglers.

"The second headliner will be announced shortly.

"Tickets sales are going great, we would say do not leave getting your tickets till the last moment because you will be disappointed.

"We sold out a month before the festival last time."

Eddie said the group can only put the events on with the "fantastic help" from their volunteers – "It would be impossible to do it`without them." – and people playing the Benarty lottery.

You can buy a ticket at various outlets in the Benarty area and you can also play online, contact the group’s Facebook page for details.

Eddie concluded: "The Benarty Events Group very rarely get accepted for grants because we raise money to make our events better. Sadly hard work isn’t always rewarded.

"The lottery and a hard working committee who give up a lot of their time is a big help towards the events, along with various sponsorships from local companies."