By CRAIG LOWEDarwen Gala got underway with the annual procession from Anchor Road to the Borough Road site on Saturday 16th August.
It included a brass band, dancers, Herbert Parkinson float, The Bee radio, martial arts students and a junior football team.
Hundreds of people lines the streets to witness the procession which helps raise money for future events. Donations were being made to people within the procession via collection buckets.
The weather was surprisingly kind despite weather warnings for much of the country this weekend. The forecast was for heavy rain & strong winds for the north west but spectators basked in sunshine whilst showing their support for the annual town gala.
The following message from John Sturgess (Chairman) explains why the Darwen Gala Committee hosts the annual event:
About Darwen gala
"This year will be the 43rd Darwen Gala which is also Darwen Gala Committee's 28th gala. Darwen Borough Council first held the gala itself in 1966 but responsibility was passed to our voluntary group in 1980. A small team of dedicated volunteers work through the year to prepare for the big day. Our mission is to ensure that this fantastic tradition continues so that the people of Darwen have a great free day out for many years to come. We all want to ensure that this tradition goes from strength to strength."
Why have a gala?
"The gala is run to provide a free day out for the whole family, to enable local charities to raise money and promote themselves and also to provide a showcase for local talent. We are proud of our town and its people and the gala is a good way of celebrating this."
Who pays for the gala?
"All money collected during the parade is used to fund the following year's gala. The more money you give the better the event is. We also receive sponsorship from local companies and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and rent is received from the fairground operator. Every penny raised on the gala field itself goes to the charity where you have spent or donated your money."
The band led the parade up to the Borough Road venue where the Mayor officially opened the gala. Police escorted the procession - stopping or diverting traffic when appropriate.
Events got underway shortly after being officially opened with a Kung Fu display. Headlining the events this year was a BMX Stunt Bike team called Team M-A-D. Other attractions included stalls, a Punch & Judy show and vocalist C-Jay.
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