ABERDOUR'S famous festival returns this week with 10 days packed full of celebrations.

The annual event, which has been paused due to COVID restrictions, returns for it's 39th year tomorrow (Friday).

Helen Pearson, chair of the organising committee, said: "It is our first one back and we are delighted to be back on.

"Everything is slightly dusty but it has been really good to get it back going."

Kicking it off will be the ever-popular pet show, which has been moved to the first day due to high demand.

"People come from far afield with their pets and for the art show, which will also be happening on the first day," Helen said.

"Any sorts of animals can be included – the most fun bit is the 'Person who looks most like their pet' competition. There is also a prize for waggiest tail and best trick.

This year’s theme is a celebration of Scotland’s 'The Year of Stories' as the village welcomes storytellers and puppeteers, while attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character for the parade.

With a busy first weekend in store, including the crowning of the royal party, as well as the already fully-booked raft race, which Helen promises will be a "spectacle", the festival also involves the traditional village market, which will see alpacas and ponies in attendance.

The Donkey Brae race will return on Sunday with a new route in place due to the footbridge which crosses Dour Burn being washed away nearly two years ago. The Press reported last week that work could be starting on a replacement next month.

There will also be a comedy night in the Institute on Shore Road to close the weekend, which Helen says has included a high number of people traditionally who go on to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.

"It brings out the whole village, we started planning in January when we decided we would definitely be able to hold it," she added.

"There have been hiccups along the way with people being unwell or having COVID but the committee has worked so hard to get it going.

"This is my third year as chair without COVID but it is definitely teamwork that does it and we have a very good committee.

"We are delighted to get back and celebrate with the community."

Though Helen says they haven't faced the same problems as other events – several galas in West Fife struggled to get their feet off the ground due to a shortage of volunteers – she is always looking for more people to get involved.

The festival will run from tomorrow, July 29, until August 7 and the full programme is available on the website, https://aberdourfestival.org/.