Lanark gearing up for return of historic Lanimer Day celebrations

The much anticipated Lanark Lanimer Day will take place this Saturday (September 4).

There was huge disappointment all round when the Lanimer celebrations in 2020 were cancelled due to COVID, and it was feared it might not go ahead again this year either.

But organisers have pulled out all the stops to make sure the popular event can go ahead, albeit on a smaller scale than their usual day-long festivities in the town centre.

Instead, The procession this year will start at St Leonard Street at 10.30am, proceeding to the High Street and then to Castlebank Park via the Castlegate.

It is being led by event champion, Mackenzie Curran, and First and Second Lords. It will not include any Lanimer lorries, but entrants are encouraged to participate in a costume parade, with a theme of their choosing.

The crowning back in 2019 (Hamilton Advertiser)

The procession will lead the Lanimer Queen elect Lacey Holmes and her court to the crowning ceremony, taking place in Castlebank Park at noon.

The use of Castlebank Park for the crowning allows for appropriate social distancing for spectators, which could not have been achieved at Lanark Cross.

Following the crowning ceremony, Lanimer Queen Lacey will host a garden party within Castlebank Park and will present all entrants in the procession with their Lanimer medal.

The public relish Lanimer Day (Hamilton Advertiser)

A marquee will be available, and organisers hope to have a variety of stalls selling local produce.

A statement from the Lanimer Committee reads: “We are looking to encourage a family picnic atmosphere within the beautiful surroundings of Castlebank Park where we also aim to provide family entertainment within our events arena.

“Our afternoon will culminate in presentations to the Lanimer Queen and her Crowning Lady. We hope that this unique Lanimer event will provide some very special memories for all involved.

“As a committee, we are committed to providing a very special day despite the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in.

“All events will be delivered with strict adherence to COVID restrictions and will be subject to change should the current recovery from the pandemic deteriorate.”