Penwortham Gala weekend fun planned

11:14am Friday 13th June 2008

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Organisers of the annual Penwortham Gala are hoping for a bumper turnout tomorrow to mark the start of the weekend festival of family fun.

The event kicks off with a procession that leaves the town's Hill Road South at 12.30pm.

Police will stop traffic on roads as the parade meanders through the main streets heading to Hurst Grange Park in the town.

At 2.15pm the Gala Queen will be crowned and event will be officially opened by the town's Mayor, Councillor Renee Blow.

Bamber Bridge Morris Dancers will entertain crowds at 2.30pm ahead of a performance at 2.50pm from The Sue Ryder Land Girls.

At 3.20pm youngsters from Mary Whelan’s Irish Dancers will perform before music from the Batala Drum Band, at 4pm, with a martial arts display planned 20 minutes later.

Evening entertainment kicks off at 6pm with the finalists from The Star of Penwortham event while the winner will perform at 6.30pm.

The Carletons will be on stage at 6.50pm ahead of Kylie Minogue tribute band, Kyliefied, at 7.30pm.

At 8.30pm Buddy Holly tribute, Marc Robinson and the Counterfeit Crickets, will play and bring the day's events to a close.

On Sunday, an open air church service is planned at 11am, organised by Churches of Penwortham.

Afterwards youngsters are invited to bring a teddy and goodies to eat and drink for a Teddy Bears Picnic at 12.15pm.

Various acts are planned to keep the crowds entertained throughout the afternoon including music at 1.30pm, from The Galloway’s Choir and popular songs from old with Rob Birnie as Frank Sinatra whoi is back by popular demand.

At 3pm The Gershwin Gang will perform classic jazz favourites to end the day and this year's event.

Entertainment for both days is free but there will be collections on both days for the Town Mayor’s charities.

Penwortham Town manager, Steve Caswell, said: "May I encourage everyone to sample all the delights on offer and remember, all the entertainment on stage is free.

"I would like to thank most sincerely all those who have worked so hard to make the event a success.

"I know that you and your family are going to have a wonderful time."