'We brought Holymoorside Gala back after 26 years - we want to make sure it becomes an annual tradition once more'

Holymoorside Gala brought the village together for a day of live music, entertainment, traditional games, food, drink and family fun.

After days of organisers nervously watching the weather forecast and torrential rain the previous day, the weather came good in time for the gala on Sunday, August 30. Lyndsey Dudley, who chairs the gala committee, said: “Against all odds, we had perfect weather all day.

“We had spent so long planning and talking about bringing the gala back that it was quite emotional to finally see the parade coming through the village and then see the Recreation Ground full of people enjoying themselves.

“It genuinely felt like the whole village came together.”

The packed programme included Dangerous Steve’s stunt show, Ridgeside Falconry, terrier and lurcher racing, a dog show, pony rides, live music, children’s entertainment, traditional gala games, the Horticultural Show, duck race and Silly Sports Day.

Local businesses, community groups, traders, performers and an army of volunteers all played their part in making the revived event possible.

Organisers have been overwhelmed by the response from people who attended.

Villager Ivan Lowe summed up the feeling in a Facebook post, writing: “Wow! The gala is back. Suddenly the heart of the village is beginning to beat. Grateful thanks to all involved.”

His comments have been echoed by scores of others, with residents describing it as “a wonderful day”, “amazing” and “simply the best”.

But among all the messages received by the committee, it was one family's experience that particularly summed up what bringing the gala back was all about.

Local villager John has health problems which mean he isn't often able to get out. His family brought him to the gala at around midday, initially expecting him to stay for just half an hour. Nine hours later, he was still going.

Lyndsey said: “At 9pm that night John was drinking Guinness with his lovely family in The Lamb and still didn't want the day to end.

“For me, that sums up exactly why we wanted to bring the gala back.

“It wasn't just about putting on an event. It was about giving people a reason to come out, see neighbours, spend time with family and feel part of their community.

“If bringing the gala back gave someone like John a day like that with his family, then every bit of work that went into it was worth it.”

The gala was organised by Walton Holymoorside Community Connections, with the support of local businesses, sponsors, community organisations and volunteers.

And far from putting their feet up after months of planning, the committee is already looking towards next year.

Lyndsey added: “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, but one of the loveliest things since Sunday has been hearing from so many people who now want to get involved.

“We've had people offering to volunteer, help organise and support us next year. After seeing how much the day meant to people, it would be rude not to do it again!

“There’s no rest for the wicked, so we’ll very soon be back around a table planning Holymoorside Gala 2027.

“We'd love to hear from businesses interested in sponsoring the gala and from local people who would like to volunteer or get involved in organising it.

“We brought the gala back after 26 years. Now we want to make sure it becomes an annual Holymoorside tradition once again.”

Holymoorside Gala will return on Sunday, August 29, 2027.

Anyone interested in sponsoring, volunteering or getting involved in the 2027 gala can contact [email protected] or follow the Holymoorside Gala and Well Dressings Facebook page for updates.