Bilton Gala once again took place in Harrogate on May day bank holiday – 5 May 2014.A sunny day helped to draw the crowds to line the streets for the gala parade. Traditionally led by Billowby bear, the parade starts on Meadowhall and weaves its way through Bilton. This year the parade included bands from The North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Pipe Band and the Harrogate Air Sea Cadets.
Once inside the gala in Richard Taylor’s School grounds, there were many more entertainments on offer. Main arena entertainments this year being by Ben Potter and his birds of prey, Creative Dance and WYC Fire & Rescue Service.
Elsewhere there was a great collection of stands and the funfair.
Looking at the crowds of people around the gala, this year is looking set to be a record year. Many have also commented that there was a great atmosphere.
Alan Huddart is part of the Bilton Gala Committee and has been a big part of the gala for many years.
Alan said: Numbers appeared to be slightly up on last year and the entertainment was well received.
The Committee have had lots of positive feedback from those that attended and despite the cost of entry going up to £2 for adults, many said it was a good value day out.
We were slightly disappointed by the parade which was a little smaller than last year so we will be trying to work on that next year to get it back to it’s former glory.
It’s too early to say how we’ve done financially as there is still money to come in and go out plus a pile of coins to count as big as a house to be counted!
One of this years big hits was the arrival of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
