Sanquhar Riding of the Marches

The Riding of the Marches is an annual boundary marking event with a cavalcade of around 100 led by the Cornet, his Lass and the Ensign. The current festival is now over 100 year old with origins much further back in history – the charter was granted on 18th of August and so the Riding is held on the nearest Saturday to this date. Later in the day the Festival Queen is crowned, a Parade of floats processes through town around noon and sports and games are held in the afternoon at Lorimer Park. Other events are held in the build-up to the Main Day including sports, wreath laying and fancy dress. The festival usually end with fireworks and a torchlit procession on the Sunday.

Helpful Hints

Look out for the viewing area at Matthews Folley, where the Flag is raised and trees were planted by local children to mark the centenary. In Lorimer Park there is an equestrian centenary statue made up of horseshoes on the south side of the A76 heading north from the town centre.

In 2024 it should be on Saturday 17th August.

Click here for the event website : http://www.sanquharridingofthemarches.com/

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sanquharridingofthemarches