Countdown on to gala day

Final preparations are being put in place for the 60th annual Halifax Charity Gala.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for the procession, which starts at Eureka! and finishes at Manor Heath Park on Saturday, June 11.

Formed mostly of floats representing the good causes across Calderdale, the procession also receives the support of many Halifax businesses and other organisations with attractive or rare vehicles.

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Committee member Stuart Taylor said: “Over the many years the gala has taken place, the composition of the procession has evolved.

“Reflecting the nature of businesses in the area, and, of course, in moving with the times.

“Over the years, the procession has benefited from the support of businesses in Halifax who would furnish a float, be it for themselves, or in sponsorship of a good cause.

“Within the business community of Halifax there was a great deal of competition to make sure that their float was the best and at the front of the procession. ”

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To mark the 60th annual event Halifax Calder Rotary Club is hoping to reunite the 47 past Halifax Charity Gala queens at the event.

Chairman Lee Gething said: “The gala has missed having the queens and their attendants, as it’s one of the highlights of gala day for many.

“We’re hopeful that Halifax Calder Rotary Club will be successful in tracking down the previous winners, as it will be fantastic to see them all together, and see what they have been doing since their gala year.”

With 1000s of people expected to arrive from across the borough, organisers are urging members of the public to think ahead and plan how they’ll get to the gala early, as buses will be slightly delayed.

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“It’s always a fantastic experience for the many people who get to watch the procession each year,” said vice chairman Ian Warburton,

He added: “And we see many ticket holders choose to follow at the side of the procession as they make their way to the ground.”

A parking suspension has been agreed with Calderdale Council, and will bey enforced by volunteer marshals – no vehicles are permitted to park anywhere on the route for the time that the procession is due to pass.

Signs will be erected on all major routes in the coming weeks to advise drivers of the potential disruption, and along the route itself to remind drivers of where the procession will go.

Anybody who was a previous Halifax Charity Gala Queen or attendant should email [email protected]

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