Search Begins For Halifax Gala Queen
HALIFAX CALDER ROTARY CLUB are preparing to welcome teenagers from the Calderdale Borough to audition for the popular roles of Gala Queen & Attendant.
Young people who will be aged between 12 and 18 years on Gala Day (Saturday 10 June 2023) who are eager to promote the community and be a goodwill ambassador for the town will be invited to audition for the role.
Entrants will be judged on their personality and enthusiasm, and must live, work, or attend school in the Calderdale area. Previous holders of the prestigious title have been an integral part of community events, for example switching on Christmas lights, opening new buildings, and being invited as guests of honour to occasions at the theatre.
Halifax Charity Gala Queen 2022, Haleema Ghani, reflected on her experience, “I was incredibly lucky to be in an environment where you are surrounded by smiles, enthusiasm and support!” “I never thought I would actually be picked for it; but I am so grateful that I was. It was a day I will never forget.”
But despite previous connections to other competitions, the Gala Queen role is not a beauty pageant. Recent Gala Queens have been engaged with their local communities, the environment & the world around them, and want to make a positive difference in Calderdale. By becoming Gala Queen or the Attendant, they become ambassadors for the local area, so must be polite, courteous & respectful, as they meet & speak to a lot of different types of people.
Any young people interested in becoming The Gala Queen on Saturday 11th June should email galaqueen@halifaxgala.org.uk or call Elaine on 07960 770675 before Friday 14th April 2023.
Elaine Bowers, of Halifax Calder Rotary Club added, “This will be the sixth time we’ve had the honour of arranging the Gala Queen competition, a tradition which we’re proud to be keeping alive in Calderdale.”
“It’s now open to any young person, not just ‘girls’, and our selection focuses on what really matters – the personality of the individual, meaning that everyone who applies has a chance, no matter what their background, how pretty they are, who their friends are or whether they’re doing well in school or not.”
Haleema added, “I encourage everyone young person out there to leap out of your comfort zone and if you get the chance to be involved in the Gala, do it.”
And whilst the Rotarians are busy searching for Calderdale’s next ambassador, the countdown is on until the borough’s most successful not-for-profit annual family event returns to Manor Heath with entertainers, burgers, dancers, chicken, adventurous activities, pop-up cafés, arts, cold drinks, animals, fairgrounds, magicians, charity stalls and a whole lot more.
Advance tickets for the Halifax Charity Gala go on sale in May online at www.halifaxgala.org.uk or from local shops.
They are just £2 each admitting 1 adult or 2 children until 31st May, or £3 until 10th June. On the day, they’re £6 per adult, £3 per child / OAP / concession, or £15 for a family ticket (admitting 2 adults & up to 3 children), with under 5s admitted free of charge.
This year will see Halifax Charity stage their 65th event, which takes places on the 2nd Saturday of June in Manor Heath Park, raising money for over 50 good causes that benefit the people of Calderdale.
More details can be found at www.halifaxgala.org.uk
Calderdale Lower Valley blog 