SANQUHAR is gearing up for its 101st Riding of the Marches this weekend.

Celebrations kicked of last week with the Installation of Principals at the Tolbooth.

And the big day on Saturday is set to be the best yet. Queen Jill Grierson will be crowned by Lynn Forsyth at Queensberry Square watched over 1st Attendant Ashley Cook, 2nd Attendant Christina McKenzie, 3rd Attendant Bobbie Moore, Herald Robert McCall and Page Ben Yule.

Cornet Daryll Moore, Cornets Lass Fiona Turnbull and Ensign Scott Burnett will lead the ride out with the Troopers Club.

The colourful parade will leave the Square at 12.30pm led by the 2011 Principals, Queen and her retinue.

At Lorimer Park there will be lots for everyone to see and do with the Vanburen Illusionist, Cumbernauld Birds of Prey, D&G Dog Agility Team, Pipe Band, Rodney Holland the Chainsaw Artist and Sculptor; My Pod with fun and Games for youngsters.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Massed Bands along High Street at 5.15pm including Sanquhar Silver Band, Upper Nithsdale Youth band, Stewarty Wind Band, Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band, Buccleuch and Queensberry Pipe Band,Lockerbie Pipe Band, Strathaven Pipe Band, Lochmaben Pipe Band.

And to finish off the weekend the torchlight procession will meet at Sanquhar Primary on Sunday at 9.30pm for the fireworks display at Lorimer Park will take place at the Washing Green at 10pm.

FRIDAY AUGUST 19 10.00am Ride Out by Troopers Club 06.15pm Bowling Tournament at Bowling Green 07.00pm Proclamation at Tolbooth and throughout Sanquhar 08.00pm Silver Band at Town Hall THE RIDING OF THE MARCHES 2011 SATURDAY AUGUST 20 06.00am Burgh Piper's Reveille - From Piper's Thorn to Gallows Knowe and back. All welcome.

08.00am Fencing the Cornet of the Marches - Tolbooth 08.20am Cornet and Followers leave to Ride the Marches 11.30am Pageant Assembles at Station Road 11.45am Cornet's Report at Queensberry Square, Presentation to Chase winners 12 noon Crowning of 2011 Queen: Miss Jill Grierson performed by Lynn Forsyth 12.30pm Pageant and Fancy Dress leave Queensberry Square - Led by Principals, Queen and her Retinue.

02.00pm All afternoon at Lorimer Park Vanburen Illusionist; Cumbernauld Birds of Prey; D&G Dog Agility Team; Pipe Band; Rodney Holland - Chainsaw Artist/ Sculptor; My Pod - Fun and Games for the young.

05.15pm Massed Bands - along High Street Sanquhar Silver Band; Upper Nithsdale Youth band; Stewarty Wind Band; Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band; Buccleuch and Queensberry Pipe Band; Lockerbie Pipe Band; Strathaven Pipe Band; Lochmaben Pipe Band.

SUNDAY AUGUST 21 11.00am Service at Congregational Church 03.00pm Striking of the Cornet's Flag at Matthews Folly 09.30pm Torchlight Procession - Meet at Sanquhar Primary, Wax Torches £3, Light Sticks £2.

10.00pm Fireworks Display and Bonfire at Washing Green ALL WEEK: Stirlings Fun Fair at Queensberry Square; Best Dressed Shop Window; Hidden Article Competition.