Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are new to Bo’ness or just the Fair Day our FAQ’s are here to help.
My child is in the Fair and I have questions
What is a retinue and what is involved?
Officially, a retinue is a body for persons ‘retained’ in the service of a noble, royal personage and dignitary.
Each year the retinue comes from a different school in the town, this works on a rotation of Deanburn followed by Kinneil, Grange, Public and St Marys. Usually the retinue comes from primary 7 but depending on the number of children in school, Primary 5 or 6 may be asked if they would like to take part. This normally happens in December.
There are a number of roles within the retinue, for girls these parts are Queen Elect, Chief Lady in Waiting, Queen of the Fairies, Queen of the Flower Girls, Bower Girls (Usually 8) and Ladies in Waiting (usually 8)
For boys Queen’s Champion, Chief Lord in Waiting, Lord in Waiting, Two Heralds: Glebe Park and Douglas Park, Crown, Sword and Sceptre Bearers, Two Yeoman of the Guard, Two Page Boys (from P2) and Guards of Honour.
In January the roles are elected. The voting procedures are designed to give pupils a real-life taster of the voting process. All pupils are issued with a voting slip and all children from P1 – P7 vote for one girl and one boy to be a main role. Voting forms are deposited into an official Council ballot box.
If your child is elected you may receive a phone call home and a letter of confirmation will be sent home with your child from school.
In February an introductory meeting with dressmakers takes place in school, fabric samples and ‘mock ups’ of girls’ and boys’ outfits are usually available. Parents/Carers will receive a rough cost and payment methods explained. Examples given of shoes/boots and where to source them. Arrangements will be made for taking children’s measurements (a staff member present at all times). Queen Elect, Chief Lady in Waiting, Queen of the Fairies and Queen of the Flower Girls usually make their own arrangements, coordinating with the school liaison officer to avoid duplication of dress colour.
Weekly rehearsals with the Fair Secretary and Schools Liaison Team after the Easter Holidays until the Fair Day. These are usually held in school from 3:15-4pm. All children must attend every week. Rehearsals can be repetitive; good behaviour, commitment and enthusiasm is expected. The reigning Queen attends later rehearsals.
My child has been selected as a Fairy - what do I do?
If this is your 1st Fair then please don’t panic! You should have received a selection letter home from school outlining the basics. Read the information you’ve been given by the school and organise the following as soon as possible:
Dress – As a Fairy dress cannot be purchased from a shop, you will have to employ a dressmaker, make your own or pick up a pre-loved dress. If a dressmaker is required, this is best done immediately as local dressmaker’s books fill up extremely quickly. (word of mouth is the best information source for a dressmaker).
The dress must be WHITE, all accessories must be WHITE including shoes, gloves, socks, wings, wand and shawl. Frilly pants or white cycling shorts will protect your fairy from any scratchy net.
Hair – Hairdresser or not? It’s perfectly acceptable to style your child’s hair yourself. It’s often a warm day and it’s a long walk, an updo helps keep fairies cool. Fairies traditionally wear a tiara or headpiece. This should be silver/crystal.
Remember if booking or doing alone you’ll want to be ready by 8.30am, allowing time for photos before being in school.
Wand – Fairy Wands can be purchased from Lyons Hardware on South Street, Bo’ness. Staff will take orders and phone you when it is ready. You may decorate the wand, but again only in white or silver (the wand will come to you already painted silver). If using, check with your dressmaker if she will decorate your wand for you, if not, there are people locally who will decorate a wand or you can simply do it yourself. Some lucky fairies have family wands or they are gifted, these can also be picked up second hand or often via social media.
Shoes – Must be white, and preferably with a strap as slip-on shoes can fall off more easily especially when climbing the stairs on the stage. It’s a 2.5 mile walk around the procession so shoes should be as comfortable as possible and broken in before the Fair day.
Shawl/Bolero – Scottish weather isn’t always kind so a knitted shawl is always a good back up to keep children warm. Sweets n’ Things in the town should be able to help you if you don’t have any knitters in the family.
If this is all new and a bit overwhelming please talk to other parents in school. There is a wealth of knowledge, sometimes going back generations!
My child has been selected as a Flower Girl - what do I do?
If this is your 1st Fair then please don’t panic! You should have received a selection letter home from school outlining the basics. Read the information you’ve been given by the school and organise the following as soon as possible:
Dress – Dresses can be purchased from a shop (there are shops which specialise in First Communion style dresses or Bridal Flower Girl dresses which you can find online) or you can employ a dressmaker. (word of mouth is the best information source for a dressmaker). If using a dressmaker, this is best done immediately as local dressmaker’s books fill up extremely quickly. The dress must be WHITE, A ribbon in the colour associated with your child’s school can be worn around the waist. All accessories must be WHITE including shoes, gloves, socks/tights and cape.
Hair – Hairdresser or not? It’s perfectly acceptable to style your child’s hair yourself. It’s often a warm day and it’s a long walk, an updo helps keep flower girls cool. Flower girls traditionally wear a tiara or some form of head-dress – this should be SILVER, CRYSTAL OR A FLORAL CROWN in your school colours.
Remember if booking or doing alone you’ll want to be ready by 8.30am, allowing time for photos before being in school.
Shoes – Must be white, and preferably with a strap as slip-on shoes can fall off more easily especially when climbing the stairs on the stage. It’s a 2.5 mile walk around the procession so shoes should be as comfortable as possible and broken in before the Fair day.
Flower basket – In the first instance check with your school as some schools order on behalf of children where some are allowed to source their own. The Flower Girl baskets should be ordered from a florist or done yourself. Colours should be used to represent your child’s school (Blackness – Blue/Bo’ness Public – Red/Deanburn – Blue/Grange – Blue/Kinneil – Golden/St Marys – Yellow. It is recommended that artificial flowers are used, not only a keepsake but they are far lighter for children to carry.
My child has been selected to be a presentee - what do I do?
If this is your 1st Fair then please don’t panic! You should have received a selection letter home from school outlining the basics.
Your child’s school theme should be announced with the selection of presentees. Choreographers normally hold a parents meeting soon after selection to share the vision and costume ideas with parents. Costumes and footwear will vary depending on the theme, they may be made by dressmakers or purchased with advice from your school’s choreographer.
Rehearsals typically take place weekly shortly after selection of the presentees, your child should be committed to attend each week. As the fair day gets closer rehearsals may increase. Presentees normally have a dress rehearsal in school prior to the fair, parents may be invited to attend.
My child has been selected to be a Guard of Honour - what do I do?
What is the Guard of Honour?
Congratulations! Your child has been selected as a Guard of Honour for this year’s Queen.
The Guard of Honour is a special tradition made up of representatives from each Bo’ness Primary School. During the event, the children will:
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Sit on the stage during the crowning ceremony.
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Follow the royal carriage in the procession.
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Provide an official royal guard.
What is the dress code?
Guards of Honour wear a kilt and a ghillie shirt. Each school is assigned its own specific tartan:
| School | Tartan |
| Deanburn Primary School | Flower of Scotland |
| Grange Primary School | Spirit of Bannockburn |
| Kinneil Primary School | Black Isle |
| Bo’ness Public Primary School | Royal Stewart |
| St Mary’s Primary School | Silver Destiny |
How do I get my child’s kilt?
Arrangements for sourcing and fitting kilts vary by school. Please contact your school’s Parent Council Fair Committeefor specific details and instructions.
Feeling overwhelmed? If this is your first time navigating the Fair traditions, don’t worry! Reach out to other parents at your school. There is a wealth of community knowledge, often going back generations, ready to help you out.
Do I need an arch?
Arches or Frontages are not mandatory, if it’s not something you want to do then don’t feel you have to;
- It can be as big or small as you would like, some parents/carers opt to rather than building an arch, to decorate available garden space with themed figures or placards.
- Chances are someone you know will have past arch stuff and wisdom to share – don’t be shy in asking.
- Flower girls and fairies are not required to follow the school theme if they don’t want to, presentees do. Guards & Banner parts don’t have to either. The retinue party tend to follow their schools theme but this is not required.
- Think about weather when designing – rain is often a factor, cheap dust sheets can save an arch from Scottish drizzle
- You’ll want to be ready by 4/5pm on fair een’, this is normally when the town starts heading round to look at everyone’s efforts. You don’t have to stay with your arch, you can go visit all the others and enjoy the night.
- You can enter your arch/frontage into the annual contest, but this is not required. Keep your eye on our social media channels for entrance forms and closing dates
- You can submit your arch location to us, this will be included on the arches map to help residents find your arch.
Keep your eye on our social media channels for entrance forms and closing dates for arch submissions.
How do I enter my arch into the competition and what category?
Entering your arch into our annual competition brings some extra fun to the process, there is no prize but the winner will receive a certificate confirming the category and place, special prizes are also handed out.
You can enter your arch by submitting our online form, a copy of your form will be emailed to you for your own records.
The categories are as follow;
- An arch is something you can walk through, to be classed as a small arch your structure should be under 8 feet high. A large arch is over 8 feet.
- A frontage is something you can walk around, to be a small frontage your structure should be under 8 feet. A large frontage is over 8 feet
- An Eco Arch should have a cost of no more than £200 be recyclable.
The judging panel has the right to change an entry category should they believe it has been entered in the wrong section.
Do I need a memory box?
It’s often nice to keep the bits and pieces that come with having a part in the fair. As with everything you can work this to suit your budget and what you wish to keep.
Many local businesses and crafters offer custom made boxes but if you want you can wrap a shoe box or use an old bag & tag – there’s no right way!
Contents can vary but may included:
- Letter confirming selection & role
- Cards celebrating your child’s part – most are made to order & dropped at the outfit showing
- Gifts
- A copy of the fair programme, every child taking part is named in it.
- Fair medal for taking part (if it’s their 1st fair)
- Maybe an award certificate for your arch/frontage
- Any other precious memories from the day & run up to it.
- The fair dvd (can be purchased after fair day, see our social media for vendors and dates)
What is an outfit showing and do I need one?
In the run up to the fair most weekends in June & some May are filled with lovely outfit showings. Here’s what you need to know;
- This is not a mandatory event. You don’t have to do an outfit showing if you don’t want to.
- If you do choose to have a showing:
- Sharing with other families is a great way to manage costs and reduce stress;
- It can be as small or large as suits your budget. For example having it at home just for family or hiring the town hall with 6 other Mums. There are many great venues in Bo’ness, talking to other parents can help with deciding what’s best for you.
- Check with your outfit supplier when your outfit will be ready before deciding on your date.
- If required, mannequins can be hired from Bo’ness Fair Committee, Angelines Boutique, Mary’s Fairies, Fair Fantoosh and a number of local suppliers.
Remember to enjoy the process, it’s a lovely tradition that’s meant to be enjoyed
I’ve been invited to an outfit showing - what do I do?
An outfit showing is a chance to show a child’s dress or outfit to family and friends up close ahead of the Fair Day.
Although not necessary, there is a tradition to pop a penny in the shoe and cards have become a popular item too. Many of the local shops in town sell them, including but not limited to; Inkspot & Silverleaf Booksellers, Paper Ribbons and Branches.
Depending on the dress showing, you may be offered a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake. Some even offer prosecco!
What happens in the run up and on the day?
I’ve been invited to an outfit showing - what do I do?
An outfit showing is a chance to show a child’s dress or outfit to family and friends up close ahead of the Fair Day.
Although not necessary, there is a tradition to pop a penny in the shoe and cards have become a popular item too. Many of the local shops in town sell them, including but not limited to; Inkspot & Silverleaf Booksellers, Paper Ribbons and Branches.
Depending on the dress showing, you may be offered a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake. Some even offer prosecco!
What is Fair Een and What Happens
Fair Een is the term for the day before the fair day. If your child has a role in the fair day, they will attend a rehearsal at the Glebe Park on Stewart Avenue. This will be during school hours and children will be escorted by school staff.
Members of the public are able to watch the rehearsal, which normally ties in the normal crowning time of 11am. The retinue will have a further rehearsal at the Douglas park in the afternoon.
After school is when the real excitement begins. Townsfolk and many visitors enjoy going ‘round the arches’ to take in the spectacle and appreciate all the hard work parents/carers put into designing and building arches/frontages. Local bands normally visit the main retinue arches, and mobile catering vans can often pitch up near the main arches. There is a fantastic atmosphere but it can be a late night.
Arch locations will be posted on our website via our social media normally on the morning of Fair Een to allow you to plan the best route around the town.
What happens on Fair Day?
Arrangements on when children should attend school will differ per school. A letter with your school details will come directly from your child’s school normally the week before the Fair Day. Parents/Carers must provide a designated named adult for children taking part in the procession, this involves walking with your child/children and possibly that of friends/family throughout the procession. Usually children should be at school between 8:30 and 8:45 am.
Below you will find the timetable for Bo’ness Children’s Fair Day, a
7:30 am – Judging of all decorated arches/frontages.
7:45 am – Bands on Parade throughout the town.
9:00 am – Judging of decorated vehicles and tableaux at Chance Park.
10:00 am – Schools commence entry to Glebe Park for Crowning Ceremony, Compere of Events.
10:25 am – Band will assemble at Town Hall to lead music for Coronation.
10:50 am – The Queen-Elect (will be conducted to the throne. The Fair Standard will then be run up. Band will play ‘Three cheers for the ‘Red, White and Blue.’
The children, assisted by their teachers & spectators will sing two verses of ‘Our Festal Day’
Queens Champion Delivers the Challenge.
10:55 am – The Sceptre Bearer gives the Sceptre to Queen, who delivers it to the Queen Elect
The Crown Bearer presents the Crown to person crowning Queen Elect
The Queen-Elect kneels and the Chief Lady in Waiting removes her tiara.
11:00am
- Person crowning the queen addressing the Queen-Elect, will crown her Queen.
- Chief Lady in Waiting, will present a bouquet to Person crowning.
- Present to the Queen by Mr. Frank McGarry
- Band will play and the assembled children, teachers and spectators will sing one verse of ‘Hail To Our Queen’
- The Chief Herald will read ‘The Royal Proclamation’
- Presentation of School Presentees
12:00 noon – The Procession commences.
1:30 pm – The Royal Command Performance Commences At Douglas Park
4:15 pm – Conclusion of Command Performance
What happens if it rains?
Although the Fair Committee will provide clear plastic rain capes in the event of bad weather, you will not receive it until you get to the school on the Fair morning. It is helpful to have your own as you will have to walk up to the school in the morning. You can purchase one very reasonably from shops in the town.
1. When the Weather Is Fine
All pupils and Banner Parties will be dismissed from their designated school areas on Dean Road, between the traffic lights and the entrance to St Mary’s Church.
Fairies, Flower Girls and Guards will also be collected from the same designated
areas.
Lunch arrangements:
- Presentees: Kinneil Primary School
- Retinue:St Mary’s Church Hall
Afternoon arrangements:
Presentees: Collected from the Douglas Park Marquee between 2.30–3.30pm
Retinue: An adult must remain in Douglas Park for the full afternoon performance. Children will be dismissed around 4.15pm from the Marquee. Guards of Honour may be collected earlier.
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE COLLECTED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF THE END OF THEIR DAY.
Any child not collected will be taken to the Missing Child area, and procedures will be followed with advice and guidance from Police and Children’s Services.
2. If the Weather Breaks Before Proceedings Begin
- All school pupils remain in their schools.
- Retinue, Fairies, Flower Girls, Presentees, Guards, Banner Parties and school stewards will be transported by bus to the Town Hall for the Crowning
Ceremony. - Attendance is limited to Retinue parents and Invited Guests only due to capacity.
No other parents, family members or members of the public can attend.
3. If the Weather Breaks During the Coronation Ceremony
- Grange Retinue, Presentees, Fairies, Flower Girls, Guards and Banner Parties will continue the Crowning in the Town Hall.
- All school pupils will return to their schools with staff.
- Attendance again limited to Retinue parents and Invited Guests.
- The Procession will still go ahead, with support such as trailers, ponchos and umbrellas.
Lunch arrangements remain:
- Presentees: Kinneil Primary School
- Retinue: St Mary’s Church Hall
Collection for Fairies, Flower Girls, Guards, Presentees and Banner Parties will take place at their designated school areas on Dean Road.
4. Afternoon Royal Command Performance
Weather Fine or Slightly/Moderately Wet
Proceedings continue as normal.
- Retinue & Presentees: Collected from the Douglas Park Marquee.
Weather Extremely Inclement
The afternoon performance will be cancelled.
- Retinue: Collected from St Mary’s Church at 2.30pm
- Presentees: Collected from Kinneil Primary School at 2.30pm
What is a crowning and where is it?
The crowning of our next Queen Elect takes place in the Glebe Park on Stewart Avenue. Staging and fencing are erected in the run up to the Fair Day.
On Fair morning children will arrive at school as normal and begin to enter the Glebe Park with their school around 10am. The park can be busy and is on a slope, if you have any accessibility issues please contact the Fair Secretary.
Our Queen Elect is normally crowned at 11am, this can vary depending on weather on the day. After the crowning ceremony, each school dances their presentee performance. The ceremony is usually finished by around 11:40. At this time children and spectators leave the park and prepare for The Grand Procession.
If you are unable to make it to the crowning ceremony, dont worry, you can watch the live stream online.
Where does the procession go?
The procession starts as close to 12 noon as possible. The procession leaves the Glebe Park and moves onto Stewart Avenue turning right onto Church Wynd. Moving east along North Street, Main Street, Links Road. It then turns right onto Cowdenhill, another right onto Philpingstone Road then left and Grange Primary onto Grange Loan. It carries on and turns right onto the top of Harbour Road, then right again onto Grahamsdyke Road ending on Dean Road at the Douglas Park. The route is 2.5 miles in total.
Each school has dedicated trailers which children can sit on if they become tired.
What is a Royal Command Performance?
The Royal Command Performance takes place after the procession in the Douglas Park, Bo’ness. Festivities start from 1:30 pm, where you’ll find the park transformed with a number of fairground rides, food vendors and traders. A stage is in place where our retinue gather, entertainment is provided by fantastic artists and each school’s presentees perform for the second time. Our Douglas Park Herald is given an opportunity to read the Royal Proclamation. Proceedings usually conclude at approximately 4.15 pm.
Entry is free but donations to Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival are always welcomed, volunteers with donation buckets are usually placed at entrance gates.
If the weather is very poor the Royal Command Performance may be cancelled.
Fair Programme and after the Fair Day.
What is a Fair Programme and where do I buy one?
The Fair Programme not only raises crucial funds but also serves as a keepsake for each Fair. It’s filled with memories and pictures from previous fairs, along with the words to both Fair songs, the champions speech and royal proclamation. Several local businesses advertise in the programme , so keep it close for handy references throughout the year.
Secure your copy each year, available for purchase at local shops around town from late May onward. Keep an eye on our social media for which stockists are taking part each year.
How do I advertise in the Fair Programme?
Businesses can advertise with a full page advert for £100, ½ page for £65, or ¼ page for £40. But it is not just businesses, seize the opportunity to sponsor a page with a heartfelt message to Friends, Family, or Retinue Characters for just £25. To advertise, sponsor a page or share well wishes, please contact bonessfairprogramme@gmail.com
I would like a message to be read out by the commentators on the day, who do I contact?
You can submit a message which will be announced at the Glebe Park Crowning Ceremony. Typically these messages range from well wishes to/from expats abroad, to older residents who watch the crowing online or messages from friends or family of those children taking part.
Please be mindful that the announcers in most cases will not know your family and will be broadcasting to an often global platform, so messages should avoid in jokes or messages of ‘kisses & cuddles’. Messages may be edited as appropriate.
Depending on how many messages are received your message may be shown on the big screen at the side of the town hall. Broadcasters have the right to refuse messages if they are deemed inappropriate. Messages may be edited as appropriate.
All submissions should be sent to fairdaybalcony@gmail.com with entry closing the Friday before Fair Day.
Where can I buy the Fair Day recording?
Sanctus Media will be record all of the action on the day, with copies available to purchase from early July via their online store. You can choose between two formatting options to suit your preference: a standard physical DVD, or an on-demand video that you can stream online at your convenience.
Can I buy official pictures from the Fair Day?
BCR Photography will capture lots of special moments on the day, from the Crowning Ceremony to the Grand Procession. Copies are available to purchase from mid July via their online store.
Each school has their own dedicated Fair School Committee typically made up of individuals from the PC/PTA. They have a wealth of knowledge and are there to support parents through the Fair Day process.
Countdown to Bo‘ness Children’s Fair Day 2026!
0Months0Days0HoursQueen Holly Boyle is the 117th Bo’ness Fair Queen