Pictures and report: Starbeck Gala returns after two years away

After two years away, Starbeck Gala made a triumphant return this weekend at its new Station View home.
NADV 1508301AM11 Starbeck Gala.  Jenny Summerbell with young dancers from her dance academy.(1508301AM11)NADV 1508301AM11 Starbeck Gala.  Jenny Summerbell with young dancers from her dance academy.(1508301AM11)
NADV 1508301AM11 Starbeck Gala. Jenny Summerbell with young dancers from her dance academy.(1508301AM11)

With the sun shining and an array of attractions for children and adults alike, it was little surprise the gala enjoyed high attendance numbers, after moving from their old Belmont Field home.

Families were treated to performances from St Andrews’ Church Dance School as well as a circus performance as well as the characters from ‘Frozen’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Phil Brownley, Starbeck Gala treasurer, said: “This year’s Starbeck Gala was a resounding success thanks to all the hard work by the Gala Committee & friends.

NADV 1508301AM11 Starbeck Gala.  Jenny Summerbell with young dancers from her dance academy.(1508301AM11)NADV 1508301AM11 Starbeck Gala.  Jenny Summerbell with young dancers from her dance academy.(1508301AM11)
NADV 1508301AM11 Starbeck Gala. Jenny Summerbell with young dancers from her dance academy.(1508301AM11)

“Co- hosting the event with Harrogate Railway Athletic Football club was a major part of this success and I would like to thank the club for their support.

“Thanks also to all the stall holders that attended and the amazing entertainment provided on stage.”

Harrogate Borough Councillor and gala committee member Janet Law said they were ‘delighted’ to welcome the event back into the community following its absence.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “I think it all went really well, there were a lot of people there this year but it may not have looked as busy because we’re now on a much bigger field than Belmont.

“This was the first gala for two years because there just hadn’t been enough members on the committee.

“But the whole gala team really did a great job and you could see that by how many people were there enjoying themselves.”

Coun Law revealed that there had been concerns this year that they would be unable to run the gala once again had it not been for the hard work of the new volunteers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as the circus performances, visitors also enjoyed live music, bouncy castles and rides , a mini train and food and drink stalls.

All the money raised at Starbeck Gala will go towards the fund for new Christmas lights in the village.

Following the event, Coun Law stressed the importance of the returning Starbeck Gala to the community.’

She said: “It felt great having the gala back, it’s a great community event and we were so disappointed when we could not run it but without volunteers we could not do it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Even on the Sunday we were very stretched but we need a lot of people to help with things like putting the tents up. The volunteers that did step up really worked hard.

As well as the multiple attractions at the event, the warm weather also played its part in the gala’s success, much to the relief of Coun Law.

She said: “We were so worried about the weather but thankfully it all just came together and it proved to be a brilliant day.