Worcestershire | Archive | 2004 | July | 5
From the archive, first published Monday 5th Jul 2004.
MORE than 10,000 people from all around the country flocked to a small Herefordshire town at the weekend for its annual gala.
The crowds marvelled at a 1940s-themed parade through the centre of Bromyard on Saturday afternoon, as well as falconry, Scout bands and a cavalcade of shire horses.
However, the unusual practise of egg-throwing, which ended the gala on Sunday afternoon, proved one of the star attractions alongside a display by junior motorcyclists the Solent Eagles - all aged between six and 18 years old.
Most of the entertainment took place on the town's Birchyfields site and among this year's new exhibits was an antiques marquee and the Border Counties Food Hall.
Steel bands from town schools entertained the crowds and the vintage engine section - with everything from cars to tractors and military vehicles - also caught the imagination.
BBC Hereford & Worcester favourites Reg Moule and Mike George held a question-and-answer session in the gardening marquee, while children were more at home in the craft tent.
"It went really well and it was great that the weather held for us," said gala committee member Margaret Dallow.
"We changed the show around so it looks new and different and it seems to have worked well, especially the train we introduced to help people who could have otherwise struggled to get around.
"People have been reminiscing in the history tent and we have had all the fun of the fair.
"It's exciting so many people come to this little town - it gives it quite a buzz."
A team of 10 enthusiastic youngsters called the Gala Kidz helped out the festival's committee by greeting visitors and handing out quizzes.
The town had been busy with activity in the run-up to the gala, especially during a rounders match involving 150 people from the village.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008