2002
sponsored by Ampthill Town Council, Country Properties & Beds County Council
with thanks to Corporate Creations Ltd for their design work
Ampthill Festival's Gala Day normally takes place on the final Sunday of June. However, this year the decision was take by the Festival Planning Committee to bring the date forward for two reasons. Firstly, if the Gala Day had proceeded on 30th June then it would have clashed with the World Cup Final in June. Secondly, it seemed appropriate to bring the date forward to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee on the Bank Holiday Monday.
The weather forecast for Monday, 3rd June 2002, was not brilliant with sporadic showers forecast. Therefore, it was perhaps not surprising that rain began to fall as the float procession prepared to leave from Station Road. However, it thankfully, only lasted for 10 minutes. The floats were based on the theme of the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the float from the Ladybird Playgroup was adjudged to be the best, with the Firs Lower School 2nd and Russell Lower School 3rd.
The floats arrived in Ampthill Park at 2pm, where Town Mayor Roy Day declared the Gala Day open. The massive crowds, numbering several thousand, then enjoyed 6 hours of entertainment, only marred slightly by a light 5 minute shower early on in the proceeding. However, the weather was then kind and this allowed the crowds to enjoy the music from the music stage provided by Suntrap, Spaced Out, Deadman's Cross & Kiss This. Additionally, the younger members of the crowd could enjoy the main arena act, which was a very entertaining low wire act, or the Jubilee Street Party. This street party welcomed over 300 lower school children from Ampthill, to their enclosure, where they were entertained and provided with a goody bag. The Town Council had generously financed this part of Gala Day and if anyone would care to sponsor a street party for next year, the Festival Committee would be pleased to stage the event again, as feedback has been very positive.
The Gala Day was the most ambitious and expensive ever staged by Ampthill Festival Committee, but must surely be adjudged a complete triumph for the town. If you fancy been a part of next years festival e-mail Mark.A.Smith@ampthill.org.uk.
You can additional read a report of the 2002 Festival AGM on the News Page, including some comment that may raise a few eyebrows!
See the Queen's Golden Jubilee Website for further details of other events occurring around the UK
View details of Ampthill Festival 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Contact e-mail: info@ampthill.org.uk
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