Organisers of this year’s Longside Gala have appealed for more volunteers to get involved to secure its future.
The gala started in May 1998 as a way for local clubs to hold stalls and raise money.
It has grown over the years and is well supported, and a firm favourite on the village calendar.
But organisers are keen for more volunteers to get on board, and hope visitors from outside the local area might drop by this weekend and be inspired to get involved.
Gala chairman Norman Smith has been involved with the Longside Community Support Group from the start, alongside Alistair Bain and Lindsey Davidson.
He said: “This is the 21st year since we all started – there was a local gala before but it stopped so we kick-started a new one so groups like the scouts, guides and the legion had a chance to raise funds.
“Each stall keeps the money they raise and we’ve certainly brought in a lot over the years.
“The money we were making then was reasonable but in the last five or six years we’re almost breaking even.”
Funds raised at the three-day event go towards items for the community, such as Christmas lights.
But Mr Smith admitted it is becoming harder as the years pass.
He said: “Marquee dances did well for a number of years but have declined over the recently and we are having to find different things to do to sustain the gala.
“We still are striving to keep it alive but is getting more difficult. We are still managing to get a full programme but we need more volunteers.
“More people helping would make this work better and would keep bringing people in – that’s the crux.
“Hopefully the future of the gala is safe and it can be kept going and I believe it will manage to continue.
“Overheads every year get higher and it gets more expensive each time so we do other fundraising through the year to boost the village.
“I enjoy the whole thing and love being involved.”
The Longside Gala starts on Friday with bingo and a disco, continues on Saturday with the parade starting at the car park at 12.30pm and the gala princesses opening the event at 1pm.
Entertainment includes Highland dancers, magic shows, stalls, a car show and train rides.
That night will be another disco followed by Sunday’s church service at 10.30am with family games in the park from 1pm to 4pm.
