Matilda Cowgill-Smith was crowned as this year’s festival queen at the Goosnargh and Whittingham Whitsuntide Festival (GWWF) last Saturday 1 st June 2019.

The procession started off at 2pm from the Grapes Inn after dancing by the village maypolers and the Carol May Academy of Dance and performing Arts, these together with the floats, fancy dress competitors, entertainers, and musicians added up to make a wonderful exhibition of a village pulling together and making a memorable day for everyone concerned.

Matilda and her retinue, took centre stage in the procession which led off on its way to the Square, Whittingham, by the Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band, the 1st Goosnargh scouts and the Apple blossom Children. On the Square the crowning took place in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of the City of Preston.

Both Matilda and retiring Queen Romilly Taylor paid tribute to GWWF hero Stephanie
Butters who lost her brave fight against cancer in March this year, in their speeches they remembered her for her tireless work over the last 24 years to make every festival day special for the countless children and adults of Goosnargh and Whittingham.

Tributes were also paid by David Butters, Chairman of the committee, to the dedicated band of volunteers, committee members and countless participants without whom the day wouldn’t be possible.

Chairman David Butters said: “We are delighted how this year’s festival ran, it was always going to be difficult with the loss of Stephanie but she would have been delighted with the outcome” he went on to say “we are so lucky that we have so many people from the village and beyond who willingly help to make the day what it is, from the volunteers who prepare The Square, clear up afterwards, to the people who manage the procession and road blocks, to the residents of The Square who welcome us, to the many workers who host the afternoon tea at the village hall, the bell ringers, the raffle ticket sellers – the list is endless but everyone is so appreciated”.

Decorated House – 1st Prize

Wheelbarrow – 1st Prize

Wheelbarrow – 2nd Prize

Don’t miss Alex Johnson’s latest extravaganza to launch Festival 2019!

Come along to Goosnargh Village Hall for a 2pm start on Sunday 3rd February and witness the selection of our Festival Queen elect at around 3pm.

Delicious cream teas will be served in the interval and we are delighted all three local primary schools will be taking part.

The Mayor of Preston has accepted the invitation to join us and a fabulous afternoon’s entertainment is guaranteed!

Candidates wishing to register to be Queen should arrive between 1pm and 1.45pm and a parent/guardian should accompany them. Please check the website for qualifying details.

Upcoming Events:

Spring Jumble Sale: Saturday 16 March

Festival Theme:
Flights of Fancy – celebrating 100 years of Transatlantic Flight

Festival Day: Saturday 1st June