Addingham gets ready to celebrate the world (From Ilkley Gazette)

Addingham gets ready to celebrate the world

9:30am Thursday 9th July 2009

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Residents and visitors to Addingham on Saturday are invited to make a noise and create a street party atmosphere as they try to spot which of the world’s cities pass by in the gala parade.

This year’s gala theme is Cities of the World: Let’s Party, with house and business frontages on Main Street also being decorated to fit with the theme.

At the head of the parade will be the Wharfedale Pipers, who heralded the arrival of last year’s parade.

More music will come from year three and four pupils in Addingham Primary School’s Samba Band and Haworth Brass Band.

This year’s parade will follow a slightly different route due to the ongoing Medical Centre build.

Meeting as usual on Green Lane, behind the Craven Heifer, the parade will move off at 1.30pm to follow its traditional route to half-way down Main Street.

It will then turn right up Old Station Way and left into Mount Pleasant to enter the gala field through the top gate on Stockinger Lane.

Main Street and the lower section of Old Station Way will be closed between 1 and 2pm until the parade has gone by.

The 2009 gala queen, Nell Carter, will officially open the gala field at 2pm.

Taking over, this year’s compere Mike Denby – who is well-known to Addingham residents as the pantomime dame – will then lead the proceedings on the field.

A new visitor to this year’s gala is the Rifles Regiment of the Territorial Army who will bring along activities and meet the crowds.

Organiser Angela Hutton said: “There will be rides, stalls and children’s races in the arena, stalls and craft activities, many ways to bounce and play around the field. The Young Farmers are hoping to provide a splash and local tug-of-war teams will battle it out for the trophy.”

In a break with tradition, the small pet show will take place in the morning at 10.30am, with the bonny baby competition at 2.15pm, followed by the dog show at 3.45pm in the main ring.

All handicraft entries need to be at the marquee from 9.30am ready for judging at 10.30am. Mrs Hutton said: “There is still time to show your creativity – pick up a form from the Post Office or school.”

For refreshments there will be cream teas, the Scouts’ barbecue and the Good Food Shop hog roast. Entry is £3 on the gate for adults, but discounted tickets, at £2.50, can be bought from sellers on Main Street right up to the start time. Entry is free for under-16s. If you need any further information before gala day ring Angela Hutton on 01943 435110.

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