Policy & Resources Committee – July 8th 2025
Spennymoor Town Council Policy & Resources Committee Order of Business - Meeting to be held July 8th 2025
The much-loved event will take place across the town centre and into Jubilee Park on Saturday, July 5, starting with the 12:30pm Grand Parade from the Market Place to Jubilee Park, which will host the Culine Family Funfair, vintage vehicle display, live music and a variety of stalls.
However, a troop of youngsters will get a special preview of the funfair today (Friday) when owner and operator, John Culine MBE, opens rides for free young people with additional and special educational needs, as well as their teachers, carers and guardians.
Spennymoor Town Council leader, Cllr Billy McAloon, also attended and said the day was a real highlight for youngsters, who are allowed free rein to ride any attraction and play on any stall.
He added: “The Gala is part of the fabric of our town. For 70 years, it has brought people together, supported businesses and created special memories for generations of families. I’d like to thank everyone involved for keeping this fantastic tradition alive, especially the Gala Committee for its hard work its chair, John Culine MBE, for once again providing the funfair and allowing these kids to ride for free.
“I’m proud the Town Council can continue to support this incredible community event, which draws in thousands of people and is the perfect way to kick of our summer programme of events.”
John, who was born and bred in Spennymoor, has been running the Gala funfair for most of his life. He said: “I love the Gala, which is the culmination of a great deal of work, planning and organisation, but is always well worth it.
“To see the youngsters’ faces light up on the rides makes it all worthwhile, as does seeing the town come together on the Saturday to have a great time.”
The Committee is made up of volunteers and residents of Spennymoor and is run as a non-profit group. First run in 1955, the Gala is held on the first Saturday in July and evolved into a real highlight of the town’s social calendar.
Cllr McAloon added: “The Gala brings the entire town together and encourages schools, community groups and the residents’ participation. Whether participating or spectating, it’s always fantastic.”
The Parade through the town will be accompanied by Spennymoor Town Band and the reformed Spennymoor Jazz Band, with original participants from the 1970s.
Full details, including opening times and attractions, can be found at www.spennymoorgala.co.uk
