Thornton Cleveleys Gala

Thornton Cleveleys Gala is Back!

Thornton Cleveleys Gala began way back in time – in 1898! It’s an annual celebration where everyone comes out in force for a day of entertainment and fun and it’s back in June 2023.

Thornton Cleveleys Gala is Back – celebrating 125 years!

It’s back this year – the incredible 125th Thornton Cleveleys Gala – and to celebrate it’s spread over two days this year!

Thornton Cleveleys Gala 2023

Saturday 10 June 2023 from 1-7pm

  • 1pm – Food and Drink stalls will open on King Georges Playing Fields
  • 1:30pm – Live entertainment will start from our main arena on King Georges Playing Fields
  • 7pm – Stalls and entertainment will pack up for the day

Sunday 11 June 2023 from 10.30am

  • Hoisting of the Gala Flag by Chairman Holly Moorhouse
  • 11am – Flower laying and Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph
  • 11am – Judging of parade entries on King Georges Playing Fields
  • 12pm – Parade will set off from King Georges Playing Fields
  • 12pm – The Funfair and Stalls will open on King Georges Playing Fields
  • 1pm – The parade will return to King Georges Playing Fields
  • 2pm – Our Crowning Ceremony & trophies will be awarded to our parade winners on King Georges Playing Fields
  • 5pm – Stalls & entertainment will end on the Gala Field

Parade Route

On the day, the entrance to King Georges Playing Fields via Victoria Road East will be a one way system, and exit only from 10:30am. A rolling road closure will mean that all roads are closed around 15 mins prior to the parade arriving. Roads will be reopened as soon as the parade’s passed. All side streets along the route are affected by the road closure.

Route for Thornton Cleveleys Gala. Google maps

The parade route hasn’t changed. It will leave King Georges Playing Fields at 12pm making its way down Victoria Road East, then left onto Lawsons Road. Along Trunnah, left at Fleetwood Road North and back up to King Georges Playing Fields, for around 1pm.

Join the Gala

There is still time to enter the Parade and take part in the 125th Anniversary celebrations!!

It would be great to see all the local community groups, the Football Teams, the Guide Association, the Scout Association, Gymnastic Club, Dance Schools and all the other youth groups that go on around Thornton. There is also the opportunity for businesses to enter our parade to promote yourselves in the area.

Here’s the link to enter the parade – all they ask for is a donation to enter.

For those taking part in the parade you will need to register at our Committee Hub on King Georges Fields on Gala Day

Volunteers Needed

Planning for the Gala always needs the help of more people. Particularly those who could help to marshal on the day.

The team is appealing for new volunteers to help. Can you join in? Just email helenemoorhouse@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

Did you know? This is an old local event and it’s been running since 1898?

Over the years the event has seen many changes. It’s had  to adapt to be able to continue to run as a successful community event, run by a team of volunteers. The event couldn’t happen without help from the local community. Whether that’s people taking part in the retinues, being on the committee, lending a hand on the day itself or being a road marshal. Each person is just as valuable and appreciated. Each year everyone want bigger and better. To achieve that needs more volunteers!!

Please don’t ask Visit Cleveleys if you have a query – we are just the messengers 🙂

Thornton Cleveleys Gala in Years Gone By

Reader Sheila Jenkins got in touch with us in early 2020 to share her memories of taking part in one of the many events through the years. Sheila says “The photos are from the Thornton Cleveleys Gala about 1948/9. I was an attendant to the Gala Queen and the little boy was a Page Boy. He lived next door to me and I think may be called Raymond.

Sheila Jenkins at Thornton Cleveleys Gala in 1948
Sheila Jenkins at Thornton Cleveleys Gala in 1948

My name was Sheila Heaton then, and I lived at that time at the shop on the corner of Marsh Rd and Holmes Rd in Thornton. Our dresses were made of lilac crepe. I think they were made by a lady called Mrs Lingard who lived in or very close to Marsh Mill. After moving to Rossall in 1949, I was a Herald in the Gala in the early 50s. I continued to live in Cleveleys until I married in 1966.”

Sheila Jenkins at Thornton Cleveleys Gala in 1948
Sheila Jenkins at Thornton Cleveleys Gala in 1948

Photos from Previous Years

Thornton Cleveleys Gala Parade, Manor Beach School in 2016
Thornton Cleveleys Gala Parade, Manor Beach School in 2016
One of the floats at the Parade in 2016
One of the floats at the Parade in 2016
Thornton Cleveleys Gala Parade, in 2016
Thornton Cleveleys Gala Parade, in 2016

Thornton Gala Queen and Retinue
Thornton Gala Queen 2015 and Retinue (Photo: Sue Baker)

Cheerleaders from Manor Beach School
Cheerleaders from Manor Beach School (Photo: Sue Baker)

Thornton Primary School
Thornton Primary School (Photo: Sue Baker)

Royles Brook Primary School
Royles Brook Primary School (Photo: Sue Baker)

Baines Endowed Primary School
Baines Endowed Primary School (Photo: Sue Baker)

While you’re here…

Go to the homepage of the Visit Cleveleys website for the latest updates.

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1 thought on “Thornton Cleveleys Gala is Back!”

  1. Sheila Jenkins

    How lovely to see myself on the Thornton Cleveleys gala page. What happy times they were and what super memories. Thank you.

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