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Snibston Greets 3000 Gala Goers!
Posted on 22/09/2009
Community Services
Snibston played host to over 3000 gala goers last Saturday (September 12th) when it opened its doors for a second Snibston Miners’ Gala.
The event drew a total crowd of 3,385, an increase of 35% on last year. Formed from Leicestershire and bordering counties’ residents, community groups, VIP guests, former miners and school children, the event enjoyed wonderful September sunshine and a fun-packed itinerary of events.
Starting with a parade from Memorial Square in Coalville, featuring former gala queens, miners, children and a marching brass band, the celebratory event recreated some of the activities and fun seen at galas during North West Leicestershire’s mining hey-day: horticultural show, mining memorabilia, ferret racing, history groups, plus mining and railway tours.
A significant addition to this year’s gala was the reintroduction of a Gala Queen, a tradition previously enjoyed by miners’ wives and daughters. The last official gala queen, Denise Kerr of Whitwick, and Patricia Mallin, herself a former winner, were on hand to help select the winner of the 2009 Snibston Junior Gala Queen. This year’s winning coal royalty was Harriet Witcomb, age 5 of Woodhouse Eaves.
The gala, which was free to all, highlights Snibston’s significance in the area, and more so, its importance in the community by bringing people of Coalville and surrounding villages together.
Peter Osborne, Vice-Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said: "After many years’ absence, it’s wonderful to see the Miners’ Gala back on the calendar. The occasion was a showcase for everyone to come together to celebrate today's community and remind itself of its roots. I was delighted to see the younger members of the community, their parents, and local schools taking part in the parade. Good weather and a great atmosphere made the day, and I hope that the Miners’ Gala will be back as an annual event; it deserves it."
The event was topped-off with a performance from World-famous Desford Colliery band that had appeared in The British Open Brass Band Championships earlier that day. Having already played a repertoire of music in Birmingham that afternoon, Snibston was especially lucky, and proud, to host them.
Special thanks are given to the National Union of Mineworkers and the Coalville Town Centre Partnership who were instrumental in making last Saturday’s event happen.
**Ends**
Snibston is set on the site of a former colliery and consists of a multi-award-winning interactive museum, colliery buildings of national significance, the Century Theatre, a country park and nature reserve.
The museum displays a rich and diverse collection of history objects, telling the story of technology and design and how it has affected everyday life from the past to the present and into the future.
For more details please contact Sarah Oakden-Nancarrow on 01530 278444 or see www.snibston.com.