Month: February 2018

Festival Update

Posted on by whitfestival

Here is an update on our exciting plans for Festival Day 2018, Saturday 2nd June.

Excitement is mounting in Romilly’s household as White Doves Festival Day 2018 takes shape.

The Festival team are delighted to be working with Sue Brown and her “Doves of Life” to mark the Centenary of the ending of WW1 in 1918. The Festival Procession will be led out by 19 yr old Jennifer Birkett followed by our youngest “Peace Children” and St Francis’ “Little White Doves”.

Jennifer will carry a single white dove in an ornamental cage. Our Festival Queen elect, Romilly Louise Taylor has chosen the colour forget-me-not blue to reflect the WW1 theme and also as “Forget me Not” symbolises the Alzheimers Society. This
is in memory of her Grandad who died recently.

Romilly is particularly pleased to have the support of her fellow Queen candidates as she prepares to take up her role as village ambassador for the year. A retinue of Princesses aged from 4 to 12 years will include Romilly’s sister, Sadie. Sadie’s twin brother Matthew will carry their Mum’s wedding tiara to the crowning platform. It promises to be a very emotional occasion for the whole family.

In the presence of the Mayor & Consort of the City of Preston, MC Nik Birkby will welcome Special Guests families & friends as they gather to witness a “Doves of Life” tribute and message of peace. Retiring Queen Niamh will read a short passage, Queen elect Romilly will release a single white dove from her hands and a total of 21 white doves will fly, the number 21 being a reference to the 21 gun salute.

Following this, events will unfold according to tradition and as always the return procession will culminate in the legendary Celebration Tea in the Village Hall.

Lots more information to follow and please remember our next Festival Fund Raising Event, The Spring Good-As-New Jumble Sale in Goosnargh Village Hall, 11am on Saturday 17th March. If you are new to the village and keen to get involved come along and talk to us on Jumble set up day, Friday 16th March 2-7.30p also check out the extensive photo galleries on the website and follow our facebook page.

Showtime Success!

Posted on by whitfestival

Congratulations to Romilly Taylor, Festival Queen elect 2018.

Romilly’s name was selected by Festival Queen 2017 Niamh Quigg during a stunning “Showtime” concert which played to a packed Village Hall last Sunday afternoon.

A delighted audience enjoyed a fabulous afternoon’s entertainment and Goosnargh & Whittingham’s 2018 White Doves Festival was launched in grand style.

Performers from 4yrs to young adults displayed a huge range of skills from the youngest St Francis’ Primary’s Glee Club to Musical Theatre, Classical and Aerial ballet of outstanding quality by aspiring professionals.

We were very pleased to welcome Councillor Trevor Hart, Deputy Mayor of the City of Preston, to witness the selection of our new Festival Queen and enjoy our legendary Goosnargh hospitality.

Event Manager Alex Johnson was warmly praised by all present for an outstanding “Showtime” – our thanks also go to everyone who took part both back and front of house.

Photos of the event can be found here!