The Broughty Ferry Gala: A week of community spirit and joyful atmosphere

As temperatures rise in Scotland and children finish up school for a long, summer break, it’s always a good idea to have some holiday activities planned

And, featuring pipe bands, karaoke, fancy dress competitions, boogies on the beach, treasure hunting and much more, the Broughty Ferry Gala week is a good place to start.

The Gala started more than 100 years ago when, in the early 1900s, local traders would come together on the street to exchange wares with the public. Since then, it has grown into a wellrenowned and much anticipated annual celebration of all the area has to offer.

Steve James, BFTA chairman, said: “The whole event is for the community, to bring the town together and get people of all ages involved.

“It’s also a great way for local businesses to network and market themselves, out with their normal places of work.

“It always takes place on the first week of the summer holidays, so it’s ideal for families who are keen to keep kids entertained, and children love the beach activities.

“Money raised from the week is put towards

Christmas events for the community, and a substantial portion is also donated to local charities.”

Due to the pandemic, this will be the first Gala since 2019, so businesses and punters alike can expect a huge surge of community spirit and excitement.

Kicking off on Sunday 3 July and running for a full week, until 10 July, the Broughty Ferry Gala has something for everyone. Join for seven days of fun, laughter, music and joy.

Here’s a run-down of just some of what you can expect…

The whole event is for the community, to bring the town together and get people of all ages involved

SUNDAY 3 JULY:

At 12.45pm, there will be a children’s fancy dress competition at St Aiden’s centre, with a range of categories and age groups.

From 1-5pm, gather on the Castle Green for traditional fete games, a barbecue, face painting, a beer tent, karaoke and more.

Sing along to some Karaoke with Tam at the

Fort Hotel & Bar from 9pm-midnight.

MONDAY 4 JULY:

At 10am-noon, a pavement art competition will take place outside M&S on Brook Street for kids aged 3-7. £2 to enter.

From 1-3pm, head down to the beach for a children’s sand sculpture competition, followed by a boogie! Age groups are 4-9 and 10-14.

TUESDAY 5 JULY:

Find buried treasure on the beach from 10am! Head down to the bathing shelter on the Esplanade and dig for goods in the sand. For ages 5-10.

Enjoy a family fun race night from 7-9pm at St Stephen’s Church. This is perfect for all the family and costs £5 to enter.

Head to The Anchor at 8pm for a quiz night, free of charge!

WEDNESDAY 6 JULY:

A family pet show will take place at 1pm on the Castle Green. Categories include dogs, cats, and most unusual pet!

From 4-6pm, head to the Castle Green for Screen on the Green to watch

Encanto. Top Gun will be showing afterwards, at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £3 for Encanto and £5 for Top Gun. Fancy dress is optional!

THURSDAY 7 JULY:

Another sand sculpture competition will take place from 1-3pm, followed by family boogie.

At 7-8.30pm, head to St Stephen’s Church for a silent disco! All age groups are welcome and tickets cost £5.

FRIDAY 8 JULY:

From 10am-noon and from 2-4pm, join with others in the library for the friends of Broughty Ferry library fun day.

At 1.30pm, teddies will be judged on their outfits, and the person with the best-dressed teddy will win a prize! Entry costs £3.

Head to St Stephen’s Church at 7.30pm for a fiddlers rally. Enjoy an evening of fantastic music. Entry is £7 for adults and £6 for OAPS and children.

Enjoy DJ sets at The Anchor and The Fort Hotel & Bar from 9pm-2am and 10pm-2am respectively.

SATURDAY 9 JULY:

At 7pm, Gala prize bingo will be taking place at St Stephen’s Church. Join in for the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

DJS will be back at The Anchor and The Fort Hotel & Bar from 9pm-2am, playing all the favourite floor fillers.

SUNDAY 10 JULY:

To mark the last day of the Gala, join in the jubilee-themed family fun run taking place from 11am.

Run, walk, cycle or skip along the Esplanade and back. Free to enter!

From 1-4pm, the secret gardens of Broughty Ferry will be open for exploration. Pick up a Secret Garden Trail Map from the library or The Anchor and have it stamped at each garden as you go!

For more information, and a full list of events taking place during Gala week, visit www. broughtygala.co.uk.

From fete games to craft stalls, the Gala Week is guaranteed to be a wonderful and fun-filled event in Broughty Ferry.

The Family Fun Run on the Esplanade. Lots of fun for all of the family.

The Gala Week brochure is also available to download from the event website: www.broughtygala.co.uk