Manea Gala 2023 proves a huge success drawing big crowds

Once again the crowds were out in force in one Fenland village for its popular annual gala.

Manea Gala was a huge hit with visitors despite a last minute blow to organisers who were forced to pull floats from the parade over insurance worries.

However, despite the floats only being allowed to be displayed stationary on the playing field for people to see, the parade was still enjoyed by the crowds who turned out to watch.

There were vintage and veteran tractors, cars and lorries, as well as two open top buses carrying the village’ junior football players, and also the Year 6 leavers from the Manea School, which included the Gala King and Queen, Joshua McKew and Poppy Savage.

The village fire engine and fire fighters also took.

Once at the playing field in Park Road the event got swiftly underway with visitors enjoying an array of up to 50 stalls, side shows as well as fun fair rides and bouncy castles.

Entertainment in the main ring included a display by the Little Nippers Terrier Racing display Team.

Children’s entertainer Gary Tustin wowed his young audience with three magic shows and there was also a trampoline display by JSK fitness and singing from Vocely Choir.

The fun did not end until late into the evening with live music from first Chatteris and Manea Silver Band, followed by a performance by the Lenny Stone Band and then finally Abba Legacy Tribute Band brought the whole thing to a grand finale.

In the lead up to gala day the village was dotted with an array of scarecrows for a competition organised by the gala committee. Winners were announced on Saturday with a display in Park Road depicting the Ginger Bread man and company declared the winner.

Other entries included Spider Man, Humpty Dumpty and Paul O’Grady as himself and as Lily Savage.