An update from Wilsden Gala Committee
This year’s gala will again take place on Wilsden Cricket Field, building on the success of last year’s event which saw unprecedented numbers turn up to enjoy the sun, stalls, rides and games.
The gala will be held on Sunday 5th July from 2pm following the traditional procession through the village in fancy dress (starting at 1pm). The theme, decided this year through a competition for local children, is “Animals”. It was chosen by seven-year-old Mary Hague, whose theme and design were selected to appear on the cover of the gala programme.
The gala committee are hoping to see everything from elephant and eagle, buffalo and beagle on the day! As always, there will be prizes for the best costume efforts, with categories for Best Fancy Dress (Girl), Best Fancy Dress (Boy), Best Walking Tableau (Group), Best Bike/Scooter/Skateboard (Individual) and Best Pram/Buggy (Individual). There will also be prizes this year for the best-decorated animal-themed gardens on the procession route.
Attractions at the gala itself will include fun pocket-money games like Splat the Rat, Buzzwire, Minion Tombola and many more, plus pony rides, raffle, stalls, rides and a bouncy castle. In the central arena there will be a dance display by the children of Jennifer’s Dancekool, children’s races with medals to be won and a brass band, plus a family dog show run by Wilsden Animal Feeds with the following categories: Waggiest Tale, Handsomest Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Best Owner & Dog Fancy Dress, Best Junior and Best Senior (all well-behaved dogs welcome to attend!).
Refreshments include two beer/wine tents, a barbecue and tasty homemade fare from Wilsden Women’s Institute.
The gala is free to attend for both children and adults, with programmes available in advance and on the door for 50p (including entry slip for raffle prize draw). The event will be opened by this year’s gala king and queen, Leon Slater-Sesay and Becca Watkinson, with help from their attendants Layla Raoul and Hope Mansell. Our gala VIPs were chosen during a special selection disco at the village hall in March.
The gala committee look forward to seeing you on 5th July – save the date!
