The community group behind a popular broadside event that has become a bank holiday tradition are celebrating the 25th anniversary of them organising the day of fun.
The Oulton Broad Charity Gala Day has been established as an event to look forward to on August Bank Holiday Monday for many years - and present organisers Lowestoft Lions will be celebrating the 25th time that they have put on the day of entertainment.
For a number of years the Gala Day had been organised by a small committee of only seven people – then in 1993 the Lions offered to take over and have been running it ever since.
Lion Trevor Waters, who was also part of the original committee, said: 'Many may remember that before we took over, the show had included flying displays including the Red Arrows. But the regulations changed and we were not able to have such a show over Oulton Broad – however we have had some fantastic performers and some stunning acts during the time that we have organised the day.'
As well as high wire performers, trapeze artists and a breathtaking spinning triple wheel, other arena entertainment has included stunt shows involving motorcycles and bikes, flights by birds of prey, wrestling, comedy gymnastics, dog agility displays, marching bands, local dancing groups and water skiing.
Mr Waters said: 'It is always a challenge to come up with something new and appealing to entertain our visitors but we try very hard to bring the best of what's available to Gala Day.
'As well as motorboat racing, one other constant feature has been the firework finale that is set off from a pontoon on the broads. In the past this would have been preceded by a torchlight procession of boats culminating in the flaming sticks being used to ignite a floating bonfire topped with a model of a wherry with a golden sail. Sadly this tradition also became a victim of health and safety regulations.'
Event history
Before 1993 the event was organised by a group of local businesses and other volunteer groups.
But as the numbers got smaller and smaller, the few remaining members realised that without additional help the event wouldn't continue. Having been a traditional event for many years, the committee didn't want this tradition to be lost and so it was offered to Rotary and Lowestoft Lions. After several discussions, Lowestoft Lions agreed to take it over, provided one of the existing committee members stayed on and helped them in the first year – this was Trevor Waters. Mr Waters said: 'The event that year was a great success, chaired by Lion Tony Matthews, who invited me to join Lowestoft Lions – and I have remained a Lion ever since.' Still involved with the Gala 25 years on, Mr Waters said: 'The Gala Day is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Lowestoft Lions and its organisation is a team effort – but they are rewarded by knowing that they have brought pleasure to others and by doing so also raised funds for our charity account to help a variety of projects in the local community.'
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