Fetes and Galas

Wyre is the home of fetes and galas, some of which started life in the Victorian era, the gala tradition has maintained and these glorious English festivities still flourish today and enjoyed by both the local community and visitors to Wyre.

The events are always colourful and creative and great fun whether a participant or spectator. Come rain or shine, the show goes on so come down and see the floats, processions and crowning of the Rose Queen.

Thornton Cleveleys Gala is usually held the second Sunday in June

It is believed that Thornton Gala was first celebrated in 1898, with the introduction of a Rose Queen Ceremony in 1925.  The first Queens were selected by the scholars of the Elementary Schools with members of the family decorating the perambulators, thus the procession was born which included the decoration of the individuals and vehicles, including bicycles, and decoration of horse and carts with the children riding on the carts. All this occurred in the early 1920’s.  The personnel of the organisation has changed as the years rolled on, but the inspiration and enthusiasm of the workers seems to remain permanently with the volunteers who who  provide this annual day for young people. Little has changed today other than instead of cups of milk, oranges and sandwiches, the children are given concession tickets to spend on the field. The Gala Queen, Princess and their retinues are chosen in January from any child living within the Thornton Cleveleys boundary.    

Fleetwood Gala is usually held on a Saturday in mid June

The Fleetwood Gala and Flag Day was first held in 1911 to raise funds for the Cottage Hospital.  The parade included a procession, tableaux and sports events.  Children and Adults took part, including Sunday School Children, Societies, local Businesses and Bands.  There was a very large Diamond Jubilee Celebration for Queen Victoria in 1897 which involved a Carnival and Procession and a picnic on the Mount, also another celebration in 1911 for the Coronation of King George V which was also a very grand affair. There must of have been lots of local girls crowned ‘ Queen’s'  in years gone by but the earliest shown in the Carnival programme is in 1963. Further history can be found at Fleetwood Library.

Today Fleetwood Carnival continues to flourish with the Crowning of the Queen at Marine Gardens. Judging the Marine Hall for Fancy Dress entries and on the promenade for the floatsIf you would like to enter a Float or the Fancy Dress competitions, please contact annhanvey@gmail.com for further information. Following the parade there is a Fun Day in the Marine Gardens, with funfair and food stalls and activities in the Marine Gardens.

Preesall and Knott End Gala is usually held on the second Saturday in July