DUNFERMLINE TOWN centre was brought to life by the biggest and most colourful children’s gala yet on Saturday.

A sun-drenched cavalcade made its way down the High Street to Pittencrieff Park, where live music, games, stalls, falconry displays and more kept crowds entertained throughout the afternoon.

Around 3000 children from Dunfermline and Rosyth were joined by 15 bands, cheerleaders, a stretch limo, giant seagulls and Dunfermline mascot Sammy the Tammy for the parade and the High Street was crammed with proud parents and spectators who were obviously enjoying the glorious sunshine.

Gala chairman Robbie Beattie said people from all over Scotland were impressed by the scale of the event.

He said, “It must be one of the biggest children’s galas in Scotland. People have been telling us they’ve never seen anything as big.

“The Scottish Rockettes, who are cheerleaders for the national basketball team, said they’ve never seen anything like this, even in Glasgow.”

This year’s gala cost £25,000 to put on, £1000 of which was spent on bad weather insurance and, with such financial pressure, there was no time to waste and collecting cans were already out on Saturday for next year.

Mr Beattie said planning for next year had to start immediately and the committee would be meeting today.

“We’ve got a meeting to discuss what went right, what went wrong and what could be better,” he said.

Mr Beattie added, “Businesses in the High Street see a huge increase in takings over the day.

“We would be very grateful if shopkeepers could find it in their hearts to make a donation to the gala.”

The gala committee has set up a web site— www.dunfermlinegala.com —for anyone interested in finding out more about the event or helping out next year.