Gala weekend shaping up

The fifth annual Ashfield Gala is shaping up to be a roaring success.
Enjoying the gala were Jemma Fox and Chloe Marlow.Enjoying the gala were Jemma Fox and Chloe Marlow.
Enjoying the gala were Jemma Fox and Chloe Marlow.

Thousands of residents are expected to attend the festival of activities, live music and food on Saturday, September 22, from noon to 6pm.

A life size dinosoar, fairground and donkey rides, a car show, dog show, craft fair and a petting zoo are among the attractions at the voluntary run festival. at Healswood recreation ground Skegby.

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Posting on the Gala’s Facebook page, a spokesman said: “Thanks for the amazing feedback and those who have supported. We have took it all on board and have some amazing entertainment this year.

“This year we will be celebrating our 5th year - we can hardly believe it, we want to make it the best year yet.”

Performers on the main stage will include bands Identity Crisis, Don’t Forget Rupert and Shanks Pony, with solo artists Danny Apple, Billy Reynolds and Rys Davies.

The Royal British Legion will have a spot at the Gala with free children’s activities.

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This year, to help keep the event running and provide help toward the many free activities on offer, there will be a £1 entry fee to adults, although entry remains free for children aged 15 and under.

The group is asking for a voluntary donation which can be placed in the purple bucket with a steward on the front gate.

Ashfield Gala was set up to re-create the atmosphere of the former Ashfield Show after it was scrapped in 2009 due to funding cuts.

Ashfield District Council ran the show for 30 years before budget cuts forced them to pull their funding to spend on front-line services.

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The spokesman added: “Thousands of hours go into the planning of this event.

“We wanted to prove our communities are as strong as ever by coming together.

“With amazing local business support Ashfield Gala was a huge success.

“At the close of the day, we want people to leave with more than just their belly full of cake.

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“We aim for them to take the benefit of raised awareness of services and groups, local businesses, with what’s available in and around our area and what we can do as a community to help. We will be putting the revenue back in to our own area, raising funds for the amazing charities.”

Good causes helped so far by the festival include Army cadets, Sure Start, Home- Start, Ambulances for Africa, pet bereavement and the Air Ambulance.