Fun in the sun and the sand during gala week

You know the summer holidays have truly begun when the annual Broughty Ferry Gala Week gets under way.

Starting with the fun of gala day on Sunday, the event is the culmination of months of planning for Steve James, chairman of Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association, and Gerry Stewart, who heads up the Broughty Ferry Gala Committee, and their teams.

The festival is more than 100 years old and is viewed as the foremost summer community festival in Tayside.

There is a packed programme of daily events and the gala itself, which takes place on the Castle Green.

According to Steve, the focus of the week is on family fun and everyone on the committee and in the traders association works hard to ensure everything runs smoothly.

He says: “We started planning right back at the turn of the year and have regular meetings to ensure that everything is organised such as important aspects of running such a big event – like risk assessments.”

Regulars will be looking forward to events such as the window guessing competition.

“An amazing 78 businesses are taking part this year,” says Steve, “and the children’s pavement artist will be outside Marks & Spencer as usual.”

Sunday’s gala will include all the usual ingredients including the Radio Tay Roadshow, a beer tent, lots of carnival attractions, live music and a craft fair.

Entry to the gala is free but any donations are welcome. Look out for traditional fete games and lots of great food stalls.

New for 2017 will be a princess and superheroes Disney sing-a-long, where kids and big kids are invited to come along dressed as their favourite characters to join in with the musical fun. Steve is particularly looking forward to a new event this year. “Screen on the Green will see showings of open air movies to appeal to both younger and older children,” he says.

On Wednesday July 5, the famous Broughty Minions will be around to see themselves on screen in The Minions movie, while older children will love the chance to see Transformers on the big screen and meet Bumblebee and Optimus Prime.

Paw Patrol characters will also be on hand to keep the little ones entertained between screenings.

Also on Wednesday, the family pet show features categories for dogs, cats and other animals and the Paw Patrol characters will be around to ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you fancy getting in on the action and helping the event thrive, there are still some character suits waiting for volunteers to fill them.

Contact Steve on 01382 731768 or email info@johnjamesroofing.com to find out more about what’s involved.

There is so much happening all week – from family fun race nights and a treasure hunt to the famous sand sculpture competition – that there really is never a dull moment.

Throughout the week venues will be hosting some great live music and there is even a Prosecco and speed dating evening for anyone searching for a soulmate.

For anyone interested in the history of the area, don’t miss the programme of heritage walks which look back at subjects including the Ferry’s fishing community, the history of the castle and some hidden gems.

Look out for your free booklet, available from local shops, this week which has everything you need to know.

Visit www.facebook.com/BroughtyGala for more information.