Another spectacular Lanimer Day in Lanark

Lanimer Queen Niamh Shanks was crowned just before noon by 2012 Crowning Lady Joy Reilly as her family, friends and thousands of Lanarkians looked on.

Thankfully the expected afternoon downpour held off for the crowning and indeed for the morning’s procession which was at its colourful best.

Overall winner was Commotion in the Ocean, the sea-themed entry, decorated with 50,000 paper flowers and accompanied by swaying marine creatures, from the Kilninie Club, which took the Silver Bell Trophy.

The Wallace Shield went to The Cat in the Hat from the Kranal Club, and the Vancouver Shield to Royal Wonderland from Robert Owen Memorial Primary.

Tableaux and pageants gathered at the top of Lanark High Street just after 9am for the procession starting an hour later.

St Nicholas Playgroup and Toddlers were enjoying themselves in Lanark’s Little Kingdom.

One of the organisers Lesley Cullen said: “It’s taken three or four months to get everything organised but it has worked out perfectly and all the kids have enjoyed getting dressed up.”

Every day was a Shuffling day for St Mary’s Primary as its Party Rock entry delighted the crowds.

Lanimers always brings a big crowd but this year even Jedward decided to come along!

Jamie Clarkson and Jamie McCaw were part of the Crazy Gang’s T in Castlebank Park which also featured an appearance from Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

As always the Kranal Club did not disappoint with its fantastic Cat in the Hat entry.

This was organiser Beth Frood’s 50th Lanimer entry.

“I get the same enjoyment out of it as I did my very first Lanimer entry,” said Beth. “I love it.”

The Smurfs, from the Homebase store in Lanark, came to party and to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The store’s charity champion Fraser Russell said: “Everyone is enjoying themselves and hopefully we will raise a wee bit of money.”

Kirkfieldbank Community was in a Gangsters Paradise with its Gangsters and Molls entry, while Lanark Primary School brought Mexico to the proceedings with Lanimer Amigos; complete with chilli and marachas.

Meanwhile, New Lanark Primary decided to have a Royal entry with a difference with Chess – complete with Knights, Queens and Kings.

Headteacher Margaret Wilson said: “Last year we had a Royal theme; we decided to do something a bit different this year but kept the same Royal theme. I think it’s absolutely brilliant.”

Complete with headteacher David Lynas as the Mad Hatter, Robert Owen pupils were walking in a Royal Wonderland.