Big Gala Day countdown gets under way

And this week organisers contacted the News and Chronicle to encourage locals to fully participate in the extravaganza.

Volunteers from Cumbernauld Community Forum are putting the finishing touches to a packed programme of activities which will take place in the grounds of Cumbernauld College and New Town Hall. This will kick off with a colourful summer parade at 11am and will see the coronation of this year’s Gala Queen, Sophie Hinshelwood by Provost Tom Curley at noon.

Sophie attends St Maurice’s High School as does one of the young ladies selected as her princess, Bethany Towrish. Greenfaulds High School pupil Olivia McGlade completes the royal retinue.

The Cumbernauld-wide event which was traditionally a fixture in the town’s social calendar was revived to great success last year, after this increasingly high profile group decided it would like to stage a fun day for all the community to enjoy.

Organisers have spent months trying to secure attractions which will cater to a wide range of tastes on the day and these will include zumba sessions, live music, face painting, a bouncy castle, a barbecue and much more besides.

Chairman Billy Lees said: “There will be something interesting for every member of the family from childrens’ entertaiment to a small carnival to a climbing wall and a soccer tournament. We will also have stalls selling a wide range of goods.”

Mr Lees added: “Planning is well advanced and we are now looking for participation from shops, businesses, groups and individuals to make donations or volunteer their assistance.’’

Further information is available from 736342.