After two years of ‘Festival cancelled due to Covid’ we were at last able to hold our traditional Whitsuntide Festival this year. And what a brilliant day it was, with all the usual attractions and participants, although perhaps not in the numbers we have grown to expect. Due to various reasons two of our usual bands couldn’t make it this year, but we are hoping to welcome them back next year. Float numbers were down to four but they were all of a very high standard and I am sure there will be a lot more in 2023 when we have settled back into our normal operation.

One of the floats carried a new (at least to us) band, standing in for our usual Band on a Wagon. This new band was led by Gaynor Sutcliffe who declared she had had a wonderful time and would very much like to be invited back next year.

Our new Queen for 2022, Grace Sharples, and her retinuemade a lovely picture parading to The Square where Grace was crowned by her grandmother Margaret (or Auntie Margaret, for those of you who remember Play Group days in the 1970s and ‘80s!) and everybody had a wonderful day.

The Chairman would like to thank everyone, Committee members and Volunteers, for helping to make the Festival’s return such a resounding success. Whether you helped set up, clear away, marshalled or manned a road-block, or helped with the teas in the Hall, you are all much appreciated. Without all your hard work our Whitsuntide Festival would not be possible.

Part of the Nation’s Jubilee Weekend

Sat 4th June 2022 from 1pm

Procession

Assembles at Goosnargh Oliverson’s PR3 2BN

Dance the Maypole

(Places still available)

Lead the parade as a Jubilee Flower Child

Build a Float!

Design a Fancy Dress!

DECORATE your HOUSE & GARDEN or a WHEELBARROW

Judging on Festival Morning

This year’s optional theme: The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Information and Entry Forms online or from“Goosnargh Chippy”

CELEBRATION TEA HELP NEEDED!

ARENA “ROADIES” NEEDED

Can You Help on Festival Day?

Volunteers are needed for many small tasks on the day.

Call in & speak to Jill/Shirley at Goosnargh Chippy. Or e-mail:whitfestival@gmail.com

ROAD CLOSURE

A Road Closure Order and Diversions will be in operation 1pm to 4.45pm on 4th June

Visitors to the Festival please arrive before 1pm when ALL ROADS THROUGH THE VILLAGE WILL BE CLOSED.

MARSHALS: WE NEED YOU!!!

Help us to ensure the safety of all taking part by signing on as a 

Volunteer Marshal for the afternoon. 

Full Briefing and High Viz Jackets issued on the day.

It is once again with deep regret that, in view of the continued situation, we have decided to cancel this year’s Festival which was due to take place on June 05th. The rates of COVID 19 while still dropping have not reduced to a level that we feel comfortable proceeding with the Festival in the way we would like. We understand the need for the village to celebrate and we are planning to organise a Scarecrow Festival similar to the event last year to allow everyone to get some fun from what would have been the week of the festival. Please look out for further announcements on this topic

With apologies and best regards

Nik Birkby & David Butters (Co-Chairmen)

Although, sadly there will be no Festival this year due to the Coronavirus crisis, Committee member Alex has had the idea of holding a Scarecrow competition. Anyone in the Village can enter, any theme is eligible; and judging will take place on Festival Day, May 30th, from a safe distance, after 12p.m. Last date for entries is next Saturday, 23rd May.

There will be certificates and prizes for the lucky winners and it is intended to photograph the entrants, so hopefully, soon after Festival Day there will be pictures on the website for all to enjoy.

A big ‘thank you’ to Alex for coming up with this great idea and arranging it all. We are sure that it will go some way to alleviate the disappiontment everyone feels through not being able to hold this year’s Festival.