Manea Gala is fast approaching as residents show their imagination with annual scarecrow competition

One of the highlights of a village’s social calendar is fast approaching and the fun has already started with a scarecrow competition.

Manea Gala is being held on Saturday, July 13, and will include a parade from 11.30am leaving from outside the school.

The day will have all the usual attractions popular with the thousands of visitors the event usually attracts.

These include a full programme of entertainment in the main area. Among these is a performance by Team MAD (Mountain Bike Aerial Display Team); judging of the fancy dress competition, a tractor run, a fun dog show, a flyball display, and the classic car presentation, and awards.

The entertainment will conclude in the main arena with the calling of the Gala Draw.

Outside the main ring there is plenty of other entertainment to be had including performances from children’s entertainer Gary Tustin, there will be funfair rides, numerous stalls, and much more.

The fun continues into the evening with a party in the park event with performances from Manea Silver Band, music from T&T Disco, and also an appearance from the Lenny Stone Band.

In the lead-up to the gala weekend, the organising committee held its annual scarecrow competition, which proved hotly contested.

There were three main prizes sponsored by Sarah Heather Arts, with the winning entry earning a £50 prize. It went to 53 Scholars Close, with their Winnie the Pooh and Piglet creation; second prize of £25 went to 10 Wisbech Road, and third prize (£15) went to 8 Poppyfields Avenue, with their Lego Man.

Judges decided this year to award two further prizes entitled Awesome Imagination Awards which went to 20 Station Road with their Alien has landed creation and 24 Valentines Close for Shark Attack.

The main gala day events will take place at the village playing field in Park Road from 12.30pm until late, admission is free.