Gala day to remember as crowds flock to Poulton

Glorious summer weather helped boost the crowds, with one of the organisers Andy McKay admitting: “It looked like the whole of Poulton was there.

“I don’t remember seeing the square so packed and the parade was as good as anything we’ve ever put on.

“Of course the weather helped. It was fantastic and made it a really amazing day for everyone.”

The gala got underway at noon with a colourful parade through the streets from the Civic Centre in Breck Road and that was followed by an afternoon of entertainment in the square.

Nine-year-old Rebecca Curl was crowned as Gala Queen, with retiring queen Katie Brandes handing over her sash.

Gala committee members have already started planning next year’s event and hope to make it even bigger and better.

“To do that we really need more volunteers to lend a hand,” said Andy. “The committee is shrinking and we need some new blood and some new ideas.

“This event is the town’s gala. Some people came forward to act as marshals this year, but we need more to help organise things for 2017.”