The New Mytholmroyd Gala
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
The Mytholmroyd Gala has been a feature of the village for nearly 60 years. At its best, it was a vibrant, colourful and hugely well-attended event that celebrated the community and brought visitors from many miles away.
Three of the organisers of the New Mytholmroyd Gala
Community refuse to accept closure
When the organisers decided to call time on the Gala in summer, citing lack of interest and volunteers, the local community was shocked and saddened - and were having none of it. A new social media campaign to gauge support for a new Gala was launched, and busy public meetings were held at Mytholmroyd Community Centre by a few local residents keen to carry on the Gala legacy. The locals were determined not only to save the annual Gala, but also to renew and revitalise it. By the end of summer, a New Gala Committee was elected, and plans are already well underway to make sure that the New Mytholmroyd Gala will be a smash in 2017.
Mytholmroyd Gala 2004 - Photo: HebWeb
Overwhelming support
'We're very keen to bring the Gala back to its roots', says New Mytholmroyd Gala chair Barnaby Neale. 'When I first had the idea of taking on the Gala so that it didn't end, it seems I wasn't alone. The support for the project has been overwhelming, and we're keen to make it community-led and focused, so we've listened to all the ideas that people have suggested. The feedback has been fantastic'.
Get involved!
Vice-chair Scott Patient, a local Labour councillor, agrees. 'All of the people who have rallied round said that it was time the Gala embraced local community spirit again, and we want to stress that whilst organisationally it helps to have a committee structure in place, we are encouraging people from the local community to get involved in any way they can, large or small.'
Mytholmroyd Gala 2007 - Photo: HebWeb
New Gala will be affordable and fun
New Gala secretary Kim Whymark is keen to point out that emphasis for the New Gala will be very much on tradition and fun. 'We'll be moving away from expensive fairground rides; we all want the New Gala to be affordable and for the whole family to enjoy. There will be traditional games and competitions, fancy dress, baking, art, live music - and of course we'll be reinstating the procession, which is the main thing everyone remembers the Gala for'.
Local talent and business
The New Mytholmroyd Gala aims to highlight the extraordinary talents of the local people and businesses. 'Here in the 'royd we have artists, cooks, brewers, musicians, sportspeople, comedians... Proactive and community-minded residents who we'd like to celebrate, because that's what the Gala should be about,' says Barnaby. 'We also want to inspire the new generations of kids to get involved too, because they're the truly energetic and creative ones.'
7th July 2018
The date of the new Gala is Saturday the 7th July 2018. 'We picked the date quite carefully', says Kim. 'There aren't any other big events around in Hebden Bridge to overshadow it, and it's still in term time so we can make sure that the local schools are involved and people won't be having to miss it because they're jetting off on holiday. We're also hoping it gives us a fighting chance for decent weather!'
Still at Burnley Road School
The committee were absolutely delighted when the Headteacher of Burnley Road Academy, Clare Cope, agreed that the New Gala could take place on their playing fields, and make use of the school hall again.
'It's testament to how much goodwill there is for the regenerated Gala, and the perfect home for the event,' says vice-chair Scott.
If you'd like to get involved with The New Mytholmroyd Gala, Barnaby, Scott and Kim would love to hear from you. You can contact them via email on mytholmroydgala@gmail.com or telephone 07799 81249.
See also
- Previous coverage of Mytholmroyd Gala on the HebWeb
- Coverage of Mytholmroyd Gala on Mytholmroyd Net
