PREPARATIONS are well underway for the return of the popular Sandbank Gala, with organisers promising another fun-filled day of entertainment, fundraising and community spirit next month.
The annual event will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 11am until 4pm in the grounds of Sandbank Primary School, bringing together residents from across Sandbank and the wider area for a day of affordable family fun.
As in previous years, the gala will feature a mix of entertainment, local stalls, community groups and fundraising activities, while offering local businesses, crafters and organisations the chance to showcase their products and services.
Organiser Rhona Altin said last year’s event attracted a strong turnout despite poor weather conditions, with charities and local groups still managing to raise valuable funds throughout the day.
This year’s entertainment line-up will include performances from former Sandbank Primary pupils Madison McKean and Deacon Gault, who will return to perform at the school they once attended.
Children will once again be able to enjoy a wide range of inflatables, with all-day wristbands available to purchase, while face painting and the ever-popular Sandbank Shetland Ponies are also set to return.
Money raised from this year’s gala will continue to support the development of the Sandbank Community Garden project.
An update on progress has been provided by Sue McKillop of Scenic Sandbank, who said work on raised beds is finally expected to begin after delays linked to utility installation works.
She said: “Finally, we are going to be able to make a start on the raised beds. It has taken longer than we hoped to get utilities into the garden and we were advised that, as trenches had to be dug for the cables, we couldn’t have people working in the garden space as a matter of health and safety.
“We have had help from Community Service and the Help Project to do jobs around the garden in the meantime and, as you will see, we’ve had donations of soil and wood from different people, which is much appreciated.
“If you want to help in the construction of the beds or with anything else, please get in touch.”
Anyone interested in supporting the garden project can contact Sue McKillop at [email protected] or by calling 07776 000066.
Local businesses have again donated a range of raffle prizes for the gala, including a hand-crafted carving from Chainsaw Craft, which will serve as the top prize.
This year’s carving has been created by Lachie, a former Sandbank Primary pupil who has joined the family business and continues to support the gala in the same way as his father.
Many of the volunteers helping behind the scenes are also former pupils of the school, with several having supported the gala since childhood and continuing to give up their time each year to help with raffles, face painting, activities and setting up the event.
With support from volunteers of all ages, organisers say they are looking forward to another successful day celebrating the Sandbank community.
