Halifax Courier

‘If you get the chance to be involved in the gala, then do it’

- Abigail Kellett abigail.kellett@nationalwo­rld.com @ReporterAb­igail

Halifax Calder Rotary Club is auditionin­g for the roles of gala queen and attendant for this year’s gala day.

Young people who will be aged between 12 and 18 years on Gala Day, which is on Saturday, June 10 and who are eager to promote the community and be a goodwill ambassador for the town will be invited to audition for the role.

Entrants will be judged on their personalit­y and enthusiasm, and must live, work, or attend school in the Calderdale area.

Previous holders of the prestigiou­s title have been an integral part of community

events, for example switching on Christmas lights, opening new buildings,

and being invited as guests of honour to occasions at the theatre.

Halifax Charity Gala Queen 2022, Haleema Ghani, reflected on her experience, “I was incredibly lucky to be in an environmen­t where you are surrounded by smiles, enthusiasm and support.”

“I never thought I would actually be picked for it; but I am so grateful that I was. It was a day I will never forget.”

But despite previous connection­s to other competitio­ns, the gala queen role is not a beauty pageant. Recent gala queens have been engaged with their local communitie­s, the environmen­t and the world around them, and want to make a positive difference in Calderdale.

Any young people interested in becoming the gala queen on Saturday June 10 should email galaqueen@ halifaxgal­a.org.uk or call Elaine on 07960 770675 before Friday May 5.

Elaine Bowers, of Halifax Calder Rotary Club added: “This will be the sixth time we’ve had the honour of arranging the gala queen competitio­n, a tradition which we’re proud to be keeping alive in Calderdale.

“It’s now open to any young person, not just girls, and our selection focuses on what really matters – the personalit­y of the individual, meaning that everyone who applies has a chance, no matter what their background, how pretty they are, who their friends are or whether they’re doing well in school or not.”

Haleema added: “I encourage every young person out there to leap out of your comfort zone and if you get the chance to be involved in the gala, then do it.”

 ?? ?? King Cross Park float at the 2022 Halifax Gala
King Cross Park float at the 2022 Halifax Gala

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