Ambleside Gala was blessed with sunshine in July 1987, which contributed to a feast of colourful, good-humoured family fun. 

Enthusiastic spectators lined the procession route and later congregated on the Kelsick field for the other events.

PARADE: There were lots of colourful costumes and smiling faces on board the ‘Ambleside Kids’ float at Ambleside Gala in 1987

PARADE: There were lots of colourful costumes and smiling faces on board the ‘Ambleside Kids’ float at Ambleside Gala in 1987

Plenty of money was raised for the funs of the organising groups - the bowling club, The Four A’s, rugby club and the Village Group.

The Gala Queen was 21-year-old Shona Horrax, proprietor of the new Kiddiewinks day nursery.

Her attendants were Tricia Bateman and Angela Carpenter. Together they led the procession in a decorated horse-drawn carriage.

Judges of the best decorated float were John and Laura McShane of the Hydro Hotel, who chose the bowling club entry ‘Old lady who lived in a shoe’. Runner-up was ‘Swan Lake and dying ducks’ from the Conservative Club.

CROWNING: Ambleside Gala Queen Shona Horrax added her support to the local chamber of trade’s annual draw in 1988. She is pictured at the draw for the first prize, which took place at the Queen’s Hotel, Ambleside. With her is (from left): Jim

CROWNING: Ambleside Gala Queen Shona Horrax added her support to the local chamber of trade’s annual draw in 1988. She is pictured at the draw for the first prize, which took place at the Queen’s Hotel, Ambleside. With her is (from left): Jim

The most humorous float was the Royal Oak pub’s entry, ‘Cookie’s naughty habits’ with ‘Homes for locals - Galava Park estate agents’ the runner-up.

Best children’s float was ‘Kirkfield in Wonderland’ by Kirkfield, with Cooper’s Troupers second with their ‘Characters from the fantasy world of children.’  The best decorated float was ‘Noddy and Big Ears’ from the rugby club.

Winners of the walking fancy dress section were the Chapel House Hotel with ‘One man and his dog’.

Music was provided by the Blackpool Norman Memorial Silver Band with marching and displays by the Kendalian Drum Majorettes and Outlane Marching Ambassadors.

The street procession was organised by Andy Blackwell.

GALA: The 1993 Ambleside Gala Princess Lucy Clement with attendants Laura Atkinson and Hayley Garside

GALA: The 1993 Ambleside Gala Princess Lucy Clement with attendants Laura Atkinson and Hayley Garside

The children’s sports and fell race programme proved exciting.

Among the biggest crowd pullers during the fete was a detachment from the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, who presented their summer display and organised an assault course for the public to test themselves on.

Other attractions included pony and trap rides provided by Harold and Stephen Parsons, plus flat races, sprints, egg and spoon, slow bicycle and sack races for the children, plus numerous commercial and charity stalls.