Gala day in Brighton chance for fun with all the whanau

Fun, entertainment and plenty to eat and drink — there's plenty to love about the annual Brighton Gala Day. 

The event is set to return to Brighton Domain for its 24th year on Sunday. 

Co-organised by the Weatherall family, the gala is a great day out for people of all ages. 

The Weatheralls have been at the helm since it first started, and aim to create a fun, familyfriendly event each year. 

It has grown from humble beginnings into a highlyanticipated Dunedin event that attracts more than 10,000 visitors. 

Admission is free — with an option to give to the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club — to ensure everyone can make the most of what's on offer.

On Sunday, the domain is set to be jam-packed with more than 170 stalls, a huge variety of food and all sorts of refreshments, as well as captivating entertainment. Items on offer will include plants, toys, books, arts and crafts, second-hand goods, jewellery, clothes, cosmetics, home baking, and much more. 

Otago Helicopters will be available to give people the ‘‘best value scenic ride’’ in the country, co-organiser Colin Weatherall said. The flights will provide a rare opportunity for visitors to view Dunedin from the skies. 

‘‘We're extremely grateful for what they do for us, a very special attraction for our people to experience.’’

St John ambulances, and Brighton Fire Brigade and Fire Emergency New Zealand trucks will be active on the domain. 

‘‘There will be a number of the vintage fire engines available for people to come and see.’’ 

Two entertainment stages will be set up, full of fun, live shows and performances. Ronald McDonald is set to perform, and Jonathan Usher will wow the crowds will his array of impressive magic tricks. 
A science demonstration by Otago Museum is also guaranteed to entertain and educate.

On the singing and music front, Kelvin Cummings will showcase his tunes, alongside other talented local singers and musicians. 

Blake and Grant Fox will be back with their spectacular show of motocross tracks, and there will be rides, bouncy castles and other amusements to keep children, and their parents, entertained. 

‘‘So there's a whole variety of activities all day.’’ 

Mr Weatherall was pleased to see about 12,500 people at last year's event. ‘‘Most people went away with a smile on their face . . .and so from that point of view we are absolutely delighted." 

‘‘It was a typical gala day at Brighton, plenty of sunshine and plenty of smiles.’’ 

The gala day will start at 10am and finish at 5pm. 

There are a limited number of car parks available for people with disabilities. 

‘‘Come out and have a great day at Brighton.’’