I’m pleased to say that the Gala is back for 2024 and hopefully will be better than ever!

My biggest worry in planning the Gala is what the weather will do on the day.  We’ve usually been very lucky but last year the heavens opened just as the parade arrived.  However, it didn’t stop the event and by mid afternoon the rain had stopped and the sun was out.  

Despite the wet start, everyone still seemed to have a great time and I’m pleased to say that in terms of how much money was raised for the Scouts, it was the most succesful event yet!  Having said all that, I really do hope we get the sunshine back this year!

This year we will have all the usual food favourites on the day, such as the tea tent, burgers, ice cream vans plus some additions from last year that proved popular, including wood fired pizzas, crepes and more!  

The Scout run games will be back again, along with plenty of inflatable fun for all ages. There will be a selection of fairground rides for young children and tennis taster sessions for you to try your hand at.  We will also have a used books and toys stall as well as the popular plants stall.

The arena events remain the centrepiece of the day and include a variety of performers along with ‘It’s a Knockout’ between Dore and Totley Cubs and the hugely popular and entertaining ‘Dog of Dore’ competition.  Please check out the arena events page in the centre of this programme for more information.  We will also be posting any updates here on the Gala website so please do check back with us.

The event will open at 1pm with the arrival of the Scout parade and will close at 5:30pm.  Please bring your family and friends to join us for an afternoon of fun. Don’t forget your dog – he or she could be the next Dog of Dore!

If you would like to help us setup for the event, help on the day, or clean up afterwards, then please do get in touch.  You can drop me an email to doregala@icloud.com.

I’d like to thank all the local businesses that have already supported the Gala this year by advertising in the programme and a special thank you to ELR for kindly sponsoring the event once again.  All the money we raise goes to support the Scout movement, who educate and entertain more than 300 children in Dore and Totley.

Here’s hoping for some good weather this year and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 13th of July!

Andy Donnelly

Gala Chairman / Event Manager