GLORIOUS sunshine brought out the crowds to enjoy the fun at Parkinson’s Park’s 2021 Children’s Gala.

The event was well attended as visitors seized the change to take part in fun and games, have a picnic or a Sunday saunter and to bump into so many people they knew.

In a post on the Friends of Parkinson's Park website Director and Vice Chair Jennifer Kirkby said: "This year was a little different with an orienteering Space Trail, devised by David Alcock with a map, and a bag of space goodies. Meanwhile, Guiseley Brass Band took a couple of turns sandwiching ‘have a go' Circus Skill performances by Pete’s Suitcase Circus.

"We found out this year that in 1936 the band led by Whybert Stevenson, father of the current leader Roy Stevenson, was provided with new instruments by Frank Parkinson – this was also the same year that F & A Parkinson acquired the fields to make the park for Crompton Parkinson. The band was formed in 1870 by Sir Matthew Thompson of Parkgate, who had helped fund Guiseley Town Hall in 1867."

Jennifer said: "Crafts of one kind or another were on full display, from a craft tent painting stones and making rockets by Daisy Croft Crafts, to face painting by Emma, and baked space buns by Claremont Cakery: even the celebration tree and benches was decorated with knitted rockets, and stars by crafty Friends.

"There was also some very ‘traditional’ fun to be had as parents and children put each other in the stocks for a soaking – but that was almost a pleasure on such a hot day

"Numerous raffle prizes were available to be won, and thanks must go to raffle donors – Harewood House, Wetherby Whaler, Bramble Bakehouse, Daisy Croft Crafts and others. Thanks, must also go to all everyone who organized and publicised the event, especially Chris Parapia, and everyone who was involved in manning the stalls, and getting the park spick and span ready for the gala, including Litter Free Guiseley. It was indeed a lovely way to end Summer and the Friends look forward to welcoming everyone again in 2022."

Pictures were taken by Liakat Parapia, President of Aireborough Camera Club.

The traditional children's gala was relaunched in 2013 after a gap of more than two decades - thanks to the Friends of Parkinson's Park, a group which was set up to bring the land back into public use.

Organisers said they were aiming to revive a Guiseley tradition that had left generations of locals with happy childhood memories. Crompton Parkinson's started the annual gala in the late 1940s, after local businessman and philanthropist Frank Parkinson left money to be spent on social activities for the factory employees and their families.The factory was pulled down in 2006 – and five years later The Friends of Parkinson’s Park was formed to save the land from becoming a wilderness.

The group also aimed to re-launch the children’s galas.