A CARNIVAL atmosphere filled the air in Langlee at the weekend as hundreds of residents turned out for the housing estate’s annual street party.

And, according to organisers, this year’s event was bigger and better than ever.

Langlee Lad Connor McPherson and Langlee Lass Ruby Weir led the annual celebrations at the community centre in Galashiels on Saturday.

They were joined by face painters, a stilt-walker and clown at the extravaganza, which also included fairground rides, bouncy castle and a giant climbing wall.

The day began with a fancy dress competition at Langlee Primary School before Galashiels Pipe Band led the procession to the community centre where the Principals were crowned at the official opening ceremony.

There was no horse and carriage this year. The Langlee Lad and Lass were instead transported to the official opening ceremony in the back of a classic car - a Daimler.

Other highlights of the carnival, which brought the whole community together, were the Irish dancing competition, salsa, and birds of prey display.

New additions this year included pony rides and a Techno Room.

And the free family fun day attracted visitors from all over the Borders.

Heidi Wilson, chairperson of Langlee Carnival organising committee, told the Border Telegraph: “It’s the busiest it’s been. We’ve ran out of burgers, we’ve ran out of rolls, we’ve ran out of milk; we always get a good crowd but we didn’t expect it to be that busy.

“The pony rides were the new attraction this year and the queue was never ending all day - it was great. The inflatables have also proved popular and the entertainment in the hall has been fantastic.

“We also had a new trophy donated by The Trophy Guy for the fancy dress so it’s getting bigger and better as well.” The Carnival was revived nine years ago following an absence of more than a decade.

Four years ago Langlee Residents Association had a stall at the event and asked residents for their views on how, following on from the success of the carnival, they could continue to improve the area. Suggestions included plans to start up a Langlee Community Choir. And, now firmly established in the area, the group returned to perform at this year’s event.

Heidi said: “The Carnival is designed to give something back to the Langlee community. It’s free and it’s for families to get together and have fun. We have people who have come from all over Galashiels and other towns because it’s such a great day they can afford to come across and not worry about the expense.” And she added: “This year’s Langlee Lad and Lass, Connor and Ruby, have been absolutely fantastic and they’ve had a great day. They were in an open top car this year for the first time and they looked amazing - a wee prince and princess.” The Langlee Lad and Lass are chosen from primary seven pupils at the local school each year.

Connor said: “It’s been really overwhelming. I never really thought about what it was like to be the Langlee Lad, I always just thought of the Carnival as the Carnival; I never knew you could be the Langlee Lad and it was that big until I got chosen.

“I’ve been in the Techno Room, I think I’ve been on almost everything, although I’ve not had a shot on the climbing wall yet.” When asked what his favourite part of the day was, the 11-year-old replied: “It was probably going up in the car, I really enjoyed that. Looking behind and seeing the whole crowd following behind.” The results of the fancy dress were as follows - Best dressed family: 1st, The Wilson family (best in parade); 2nd, Langlee Primary School - the Qureshi family. Best dressed group: Langlee junior youth club - Langlee Sleepover Preschool singles: 1st, Shaun the Sheep - Kira Welsh; 2nd, Bear - Ali Raza Siddiqui; 3rd, Peppa Pig - Gabriela Sobecka. P1-3 singles: 1st, Dragon - Michael Bradley; 2nd, Beautician - Olivia Sobecka; 3rd, Knight - Loghlin Sanderson. P4-7: 1st, Pets at Home - Katy Wilson; 2nd, Lego - Hannah Bradley; Joint 3rd, Dorothy - Eve Mclaren; and Victorian Lady - Lucy Corbett.

Pairs: 1st, Eva and Lucy Mckinven; 2nd, Alex and Grace Dalgleish. On wheels: Pink Lady - Ellie Bell.

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