In Pictures: Sweets, stalls and smiles at family gala day

It was put together by the ‘SWAT’ team - the Smawthorne Welfare Action Team - headed up by chairwoman Zoe Gaitley.

Click the above link to see photos from the day

There was a huge turnout for the event, with organisers estimating more than 1,000 people attended.

Entertainment included a tombola, hook-a-duck, raffle, sweets, candyfloss, balloon modelling, arts and crafts stalls and face painting, as well as performances of street dancing, gymnastics, Taekwondo, maypole dancing, the sea cadets and singing.

There was also a JCB from Diggerland for children to take photos with, donkey rides, and a reptile stall from Coldblooded Encounters.

Zoe said: “It was an absolutely amazing day. We did all the refreshments ourselves this year which was very hectic, but everybody enjoyed themselves, and that’s what matters. It’s all about the community having a good day.”

The gala raised more than £3,500 which will go towards the regeneration of the park - but there’s still a way to go to the target of £64,000. “The first projects are the sensory garden, coming later this year, and then the park railings.

Zoe, a full time hairdresser alongside her SWAT commitments, said: “I just want to thank everyone who contributed, donated, and attended, and to thank the whole community really. We couldn’t do any of this without them.”

Castleford councillor, Richard Forster added: “To see that many people at the park was tremendous, it was a sheer joy.

“All the committee worked hard but Zoe Gaitley and Jo Pollit worked tirelessly.”

*All photos featured are in this week’s Express.