Keighley Gala switching to Sunday in a bid to boost attendance (From Keighley News)

Keighley Gala switching to Sunday in a bid to boost attendance

9:00am Friday 25th January 2013 in News

Plans are well under way for this year’s new-look Keighley Gala, which will be held on August 11.

The annual charity extravaganza is being shifted from its traditional early-July Saturday slot to the new Sunday date in a bid to boost backing.

Chairman Andrew Jackson said the move would enable Marshall’s Funfair, a popular attraction at the event in Victoria Park, to provide increased support.

He also hoped more people, previously unable to attend due to work commitments on Saturdays, would now be able to get involved.

“Another factor for the date change is – looking ahead to 2014 – our traditional spot would clash with the Tour de France coming through,” he added.

Attractions at this year’s gala will include a ‘beach’, courtesy of Marshall’s Funfair, for building sandcastles, donkey rides and Punch and Judy, and a dog show - sponsored by Cobbydog, which proved a huge success last year.

There will be a revamped procession, and in another break with tradition, gala bosses will announce ahead of the event those charitable groups to benefit from the proceeds.

Any groups wishing to apply for a share should e-mail keighleygala2012@gmail.com or join the ‘We Love Keighley Gala’ Facebook group. Gala committee members would also like to hear from anyone willing to help with the event.