A BIG crowd gathered in Elgin for the town’s Platinum Jubilee parade and the second day of Rotafest 22.
Deputy Lieutenant Joan and John Cowe dressed for the Jubilee and stand with Lord Lieutenant’s Bentley on Elgin High Street
The parade got going on the plainstones, with the high street lined with people watching on as it marched down the street and into Cooper Park.
Behind the parade, Moray’s Lord Lieutenant Seymour Monro led a procession of classic cars into the park – where the parade joined up with Rotafest.
LL Seymour Munro and DL Joan Cowe at Rotafest 2022
Rotafest 22, making its post-pandemic return, ran over two days. A scorching hot Saturday saw beer and Indian food and cocktail and high tea events, as well as a big screen showing of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London.
Sunday, in almost equally as hot weather, saw the climax of Elgin Rotary’s triple challenge with a five-mile run, as well as a ‘show and shine’ classic car event. Thousands gathered in the park, where there were also food and entertainment stalls.
George McLean, the event’s co-ordinator, said: “Logistically, it has been a challenge to get it to all come together, but we have had two of the best days of the year weather-wise. We couldn’t have asked for better.
“We have been planning, with a committee of nearly 20 Rotarians, to pull this together and have had tremendous response to our sponsorship requests from local businesses. They provided nearly everything at the park so we can provide it free to the public.
“The days have been long but it has been fantastic. This is a thank-you to the local community for supporting us throughout the year and for the last two or three years.”
Moray’s Lord Lieutenant Seymour Monro said the weekend was a fantastic way to pay tribute to the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee.
“It’s magic to have such perfect weather for our wonderful Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” he said. “There was a good turnout for the parade and lots of people in Cooper Park.
“It’s so nice for people to be able to get together after two years of lockdown to commemorate this wonderful Queen of ours who has given us such marvellous leadership and great service.
“Moray has done her proud with the beacon lightings, lighting up buildings and having parties. She loves Moray, and we love her.”
The Robertson Group were headline sponsors of Rotafest 2022, with donations from Gordon and MacPhail; Johnstons of Elgin; MacDonald and Munro and Hendersons.
“This free event open to all, would be very difficult to organise without their financial assistance,” said president Ian Brodie.
“Many, many other businesses and organisations are supporting Rotafest 22 by providing goods and services in kind.
“All splendid examples of our community really coming together to give Moray folks and visitors a memorable fun-filled weekend in recognising The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Rotary Elgin is immensely grateful to all.”
