A huge 
round of applause for Alex Johnson rounded off a glittering afternoon’s entertainment on a village hall stage transformed by creative use of voile & lighting and featuring talented young performers in an impressive variety of roles.
We were delighted to welcome the Mayor & Mayoress of the City of Preston, Councillor John Collins & Mrs Mary Dade, to witness the selection of Festival Queen Elect Miss Niamh Quigg and enjoy our legendary Goosnargh hospitality. Tom Ibison, Festival Honorary President reported that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
Alex himself paid tribute to his fellow Musical Theatre Students at Preston’s College, Head Anne Markland and Tutor Michael Cosgrove, and to the Staff & Pupils of Goosnargh Oliverson’s and St Francis’ Catholic Primary Schools for endless hours of rehearsals which well and truly paid off on the day.
The College performers sang, danced and acted with impressive conviction and a terrific sense of performance and our Primary Schools offered a fantastic array of instrumental music & song with over 50 youngsters taking part – all a real credit to their teachers.
A very special feature of this year’s event, certainly a first for Goosnargh, was a skilful and beautifully choreographed Aerial Hoop routine created for us by Hannah & Grace Chadwick.
This year’s Festival, set to take place on Saturday, June 3rd, is dedicated to the late Tom Kirby who did so much to support the Festival both through his role at Barton Grange and through his membership of Longridge & North Preston Rotary. We were very pleased to welcome Tom’s daughter Helen Roberts and Guy Topping from Barton Grange as we launched the 2017 Festival Year. Guy is to present a new award, The Tom Kirby Rosebowl, to the Festival Queen on Festival Day.
Helen and Alan Roberts will judge the Fancy Dress section
of the Festival and Guy and Carol Topping the Decorated Floats before Guy also presents a brand new Barton Grange Float Trophy.
Thank you to all who supported Alex so well. We were exceptionally well supplied with delicious cakes & scones, raffle prizes, helpers and, most importantly, a very appreciative audience to encourage our young stars of the future.
Welcome! 