Fochabers gala fun for all the family set to get under way a week early
A hugely popular gala weekend is set to get under way a week earlier than usual.
Normally held at the end of July, Fochabers gala will be kicking off on the evening of Friday, July 18 heralding a weekend of celebrations culminating in the main event in the square on Sunday afternoon.
Last year’s event basked in glorious sunshine and the organisers will be hoping for more of the same when the gala rolls round.
Gala chairwoman Liz Rennie said: “The gala is a week earlier this year than it has been in the last few years as Speyfest has moved back to the last Sunday in July.
“This is due to the Tall Ships Race in Aberdeen being on the week before.
“We’re looking forward to a packed few days and hopefully the sun will shine on us again!”
A weekend of fun for all the family kicks off on the Friday evening at the Public Institute with the tombola evening. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm eyes down. Bring a cup and enjoy refreshments, sausage rolls and other eats at half time.
The evening will also witness the formal introduction of the two Gala VIPs, who will draw the 300 Club winners. Acting as ambassadors for the gala this year are Sophie Allan and Jack French, who have not long finished P7 at Milne’s Primary School.
Saturday promises to be a busy day, first up being the chance to indulge at the Strawberry Teas in Bellie Church at 2pm where freshly baked scones with jam and cream will be on the menu. The Ukelele Group will be providing the musical entertainment and if the weather is nice kids can play outside in the church garden.
Water levels permitting the duck race is scheduled to get under way at 5pm at the bridge close to Burnside Caravan Park. Lucky duck numbers available for £2 at Christie's the chemist with great prizes for the first and second place ducks.
Rounding off the day will be the quiz night at the Institute, 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Raffles will be available.
Sunday afternoon sees the weekend culminate in the Gala in the Square itself, which roars into life at 1pm with a parade down the High Street led by Buckie and District Pipe Band. Joining the parade again this year will be the Spey Valley Tractor Rally.
Sadly, one staple of the gala day - the Jean Carr Hill Race - will not take place this time around although the organisers are hopeful it will resume its place next year
There will be a variety of musical accompaniment throughout the afternoon from Buckie and District Pipe Band, the Arc Fiddlers, Colleen Murphy and Friskis and Svettis - Movement to Music.
A wide variety of stalls will once again grace the gala, all led by various community groups from the village. Among the stalls set to be present are: Bottle stall; Hook-a-duck; Raffles; Wheel of fortune; Teas; Fruit kebabs; Heritage stall; Men's Shed stall; Primary school stall; Bouncy castle.
Operational matters permitting, the local on-call firefighter team will be there along with the village’s fire engine.
Also aiming to be present are some of the Play Park Working Team, who are a sub-committee of the Village Association. They are trying very hard to raise funds to renew the play park on East Street, Fochabers. They are hosting a coffee morning this Saturday at 10am in the Institute.
Money raised from the gala weekend will be ploughed back into the local community in the form of grants to charities and other organisations.