The Rae Gala 2022

Happily the Rae Gala was able to take place again this year, after a Covid-enforced gap of two years. It's usually an annual event to celebrate the gift of Northcliffe Park by Sir Henry Norman Rae in 1920  'as an open space for the recreation and benefit of the public forever'. The gala is a small, local, wholesome, family-orientated gathering, really nice and great fun. 

The miniature railway, based in the park, was open and members of Bradford Model Engineering Society provided rides. 

Bradford's Lord Mayor opened the gala, pictured here with members of the Great Yorkshire Chorus. (I'm beginning to feel like his official photographer, as that's the third time I've snapped him in a few weeks!)

The Great Yorkshire Chorus community choir then entertained us with a variety of wonderful songs. I'm proud to have at least half a dozen friends and neighbours in the choir. Based in Saltaire, they're inclusive and innovative; anyone can join without an audition and they perform to a very high standard, led by their founder and director Maria Mullin. 

Music was also provided by the Hallroyd Brass Band. 

A wonderful group of ladies known as North Wind Tribal belly dancers performed. It looks like a whole lot of fun and very graceful, and again they are an inclusive and welcoming group which anyone can join. (I've been trying to perfect that hip wiggle ever since!) 

There were stalls and games, races and children's creative activities - not to mention plentiful supplies of food, drinks and ice cream. If you could toss a ring over a pyramid you could win a tiger! Obviously harder than it sounds...

There were some donkeys giving rides - traditionally a seaside attraction in the UK. It said they were 'Blackpool donkeys' so I guess Blackpool sands have quite a few and could spare us a couple. 

All in all, it was a really fun afternoon, not least because it's a good place to meet old friends and have a chat - and it didn't rain either!