Goosnargh and Whittingham Whitsuntide Festival 2019

Matilda Cowgill-Smith was crowned as this year’s festival queen at the Goosnargh and Whittingham Whitsuntide Festival (GWWF) last Saturday 1st June 2019.

The procession started off at 2pm from the Grapes Inn after dancing by the village maypolers and the Carol May Academy of Dance and performing Arts, these together with the floats, fancy dress competitors, entertainers, and musicians added up to make a wonderful exhibition of a village pulling together and making a memorable day for everyone concerned.

Matilda and her retinue, took centre stage in the procession which was led off on its way to the Square, Whittingham, by the Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band, the 1st Goosnargh Cubs and the Appleblossom Children. On the Square the crowning took place in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of the City of Preston.
Both Matilda and retiring Queen Romiley Taylor paid tribute to GWWF hero Stephanie Butters who lost her brave fight against cancer in March this year, in their speeches they remembered her for her tireless work over the last 24 years to make every festival day special for the countless children and adults of Goosnargh and Whittingham.

Tributes were also paid by David Butters, Chairman of the committee, to the dedicated band of volunteers, committee members and countless participants without whom the day wouldn’t be possible.

Chairman David Butters said: “We are delighted how this year’s festival ran, it was always going to be difficult with the loss of Stephanie but she would have been delighted with the outcome’; he went on to say ‘we are so lucky that we have so many people from the village and beyond who willingly help to make the day what it is; from the volunteers who prepare The Square, clear up afterwards, to the people who manage the procession and road blocks, to the residents of The Square who welcome us, to the many workers who host the afternoon tea at the village hall, the bell ringers, the raffle ticket sellers – the list is endless but everyone is so appreciated’