9:03am Monday 29th June 2009
By Tanya O'Rourke
Thousands of people enjoyed fun-filled galas across Bradford at the weekend.
Crowds lined the sunny streets to watch a pantomime-themed parade make its way to the Eldwick and Gilstead Gala at Eldwick Recreation Ground on Saturday.
Entertainment was provided by the Bingley Grammar School Band and lumberjack showmen the Welsh Axemen.
There were races and donkey rides for the children.
At 3pm a Spitfire flew over the gala ground, marking Armed Forces Day.
Gala committee president Allan Mirfield said: “The parade was spectacular, and the Spitfire flyover was very emotional.
“One woman said she couldn’t watch because it brought a tear to her eye.
“Everything else stopped when the plane flew over.”
On Sunday, Bingley Gala drew huge crowds to Myrtle Park.
A wild west show, cowboy skills workshop, vintage vehicles and a Punch and Judy Show were all part of the entertainment.
Organiser Darran Church said: “The weather has been great and we have had people come out in good numbers.
“We’re really pleased everyone has come out to support the gala – it is the first event of its kind in Bingley for several years.
“People have been enjoying the entertainment. We’re hoping to build on that in future years, and get the whole community involved.”
Crowds also packed into Wellholme Park, Brighouse, on Saturday for the town’s 40th anniversary Charity Gala which started with procession through the streets.
Meanwhile, a street party was held in Bradford over the weekend to celebrate the work carried out to make a neighbourhood cleaner, greener and safer. The family event was arranged by and for the residents of Rugby Place, Arncliffe Terrace, and St Margaret Road, in Great Horton.
It was organised by the Environmental Champions Network, which is made up of residents from the three streets.
In recent months, the network has worked to raise awareness regarding the importance of maintaining the area.
The network regularly meets at the Khidmat Centre in Manningham. Meanwhile Oakworth Village Morris Men’s 28th Weekend of Dance featured seven Morris groups from across the country.
e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk
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