Gala Day 2016

So i think if you read my blog you will know how much time i put into our local gala, this year much more as Ewan. Molly and Fred were on the Gala Queens Retinue, so not only have i had the day its self to organise but i have also helped with the float and costumes. Gala day was weeks ago now but to be honest i have been wiped out, the weeks before were just completely hectic with committee meetings, rehearsals, paperwork, and replying to calls,messages and emails.

Finally the day came 12th June 2016 Thornton Cleveleys Gala Day! It was sunny and bright, that is the biggest worry when you are arranging outdoor events, so i felt so relived

My kids had there new costumes on, Fred was so so excited, he just couldn't contain him self

The day started with a flower laying service at the cenotaph, all the visiting Queens laid flowers

Our New Queen Ashleigh, Look at Fred there at the front! and Molly and Ewan

This is Princess Dakota

Following on from that was the parade around Thornton, its always great to see so many people get involved we had lots of groups and a few schools,plus all the fancy dress entry's. Its not the same as it was when i was a child the route was far longer and lots more people joined in but that route is not possible anymore due to a main road cutting across, that despite my campaigning for the local council won't let us cross. I also think times have really changed and people have so much entertainment at there fingertips its just not as exciting to the kids today as it was in the 80s when i was a child. ut the parade has got bigger over the last few years and is enjoying a revival of sorts.

Also this year we had it on a Sunday instead of the traditional Saturday which seemed to work well and there were lots of people out watching.



After the parade we had hired vintage buses to take everyone to Cleveleys  Jubilee Gardens where the field celebrations were being held.

This is a bit i loved last year, arriving on the field as i am one of the last people to leave the parade so one of the last people to arrive on the field and its exciting to arrive and see it all busy and all the stalls have arrived and the funfair is set up. We bought a massive marquee this year and we had set all that up the day before but others were there in the morning to make the arrangements and direct the stall , whom we had lots more than last year. So i was extactic when i saw how busy it was, the months of planning had paid off. I don't have many pictures of this part as i was so busy but this was earlier on

Then it happened!!!!!!!! all the visiting queens were in the marquee having lunch the VIPs were having afternoon tea in a gazebo by the stage watching a local singing group..... THE RAIN!  and i don't mean a spot of rain, it was torrential and it didn't stop!!!! its the last thing i was expecting after such a wonderful sunny parade. Decisions had to be made and as the marquee was full of people and we could barely move, i decided to bring the crowning of our new queen and princess forward and just have a short ceremony to crown them so the kids could all go home as the rain was not letting up and looked like it was set for the day.

Yes i look like a complete drowned rat!

The 1940's party we had planned was cancelled as everybody had gone by this point, which was so sad, we had all worked so hard,but there was nothing we could do, we were all soaked through to the skin, so we packed up what we could and when home.

Dispite all that we did have a fantastic parade and everybody enjoyed the most part of the day.when i got home i was exhausted and ready for bed but had a couple of bacardis and checked my facebook for feedback and it was amazing everybody was saying how great it was and how sad the rain spoiled the rest of the day and thanking us for all our work organizing it, so i felt really exhilarated and pleased for all the committee, we work so hard all year to fund raise to pay for the day and of course all the planning involved.

As for my kids,they loved it, Fred was the star for me, after all the weeks of rehearsals( for the crowing that never happened!) which he messed about in and didn't want to get involved in as he was to busy wandering off! he walked in front of Queen Ashleigh, with his cushion, like he knew exactly what to do and never left her side, he was super good, so good it amazed me! Molly looked stunning in her dress and made me so proud, even Ewan looked smart for once after a forced haircut, it was so nice to see them all dressed so nicely lots of photo opportunity i think.
So that was Gala day done and dusted for another year!!!  x