Joy as carnival returns to Thornton

It was all the fun of the fair at Thornton Gala as a fun-filled family day was blessed with scorching weather.
Paul Walters (left) with Otto the Chaco Owl and Jim Sutton with Cleo the Lanner Falcon, all from Horus Birds of Prey.Paul Walters (left) with Otto the Chaco Owl and Jim Sutton with Cleo the Lanner Falcon, all from Horus Birds of Prey.
Paul Walters (left) with Otto the Chaco Owl and Jim Sutton with Cleo the Lanner Falcon, all from Horus Birds of Prey.

The sun shone down as families enjoyed a host of fun-filled activities including a paintball shooting gallery, a miniature railway and crazy golf.

Children flocked to enjoy donkey rides, swings and fairground rides at the gala, which after two years away at Jubilee Gardens in Cleveleys, was back at its traditional home on King George’s Playing Fields in Thornton. And there was even a parrot rescue stand where colourful parakeets brought a smile to everyone’s faces. Fancy dress, gala queens and princesses completed the festivities.

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Chairman of the gala, David Brady, 47, said having the gala back at Thornton made it all the better.

He said: “Because the gala was back in Thornton for the first time the atmosphere was fantastic.

“The sails of the windmill were turning and everyone was pleased to have it back where it rightfully should be. It was absolutely packed.

“I want to say thank you to all the helpers and road marshals.

“They all turned up and did a really professional job.

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“Everyone had a wonderful time and we can’t wait for next year.”

The event has been running for almost 120 years and generations of residents in Thornton and Cleveleys have been involved with it over the decades.

David added: “I have been part of the gala for many years. My family are big gala folk so it was very touching.”

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