Sunday 31 July 2016

Glorious Gala sets seal on a month of events showcasing Silsden's community verve and vitality

For the first time since the event started more than 100 years ago Silsden Gala chose a queen and a king. Queen Megan Reece (centre) is pictured above with King Adam Smith and attendant Aliyah Smith. They took pride of place in the gala procession on Sunday July 31st.
Fine weather brought out the crowds to watch a much extended procession with many families and their fancy-dressed children adding to the gaiety. The route took the cavalcade from Howden Road into Kirkgate, Briggate, Bell Square, Bolton Road and then to the park where a host of events had been organised by the gala committee.
The gala brought to a close a month of events under the banner of Silsden's Grand de Party, coinciding with the start of the Tour de France and designed to build on the community uplift and joy that the town experienced as part of the famous Tour's Grand Depart from Yorkshire in 2014.
 Sutton was among the visiting gala queens.


Silsden's retiring gala queen, Hayley Jordan (centre), is pictured with her attendants, her sister Faith (right) and Maisie McGlinchey.
Local author and lecturer David Driver led the parade with loud exhortations and exultations.





 Rosebuds from Skipton.



Silsden Majorettes, the All Stars.




































 Cheers as the Red Lion float passes the King's Arms.