Raising a toast to gala backers

May 13 2008 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

A COMMUNITY event is making a comeback after almost 100 years - with help from a Teessider brewer.

Camerons Brewery has agreed to be the major sponsor of Yarm Gala, which is being held on Sunday, June 22.

It will celebrate Yarm’s history and heritage as a thriving port and will include street entertainers, a live music stage, a Victorian funfair, a bellboat competition which members of the public can enter, taster rowing sessions, tug-of-war and the Lions’ Charities Fair. Camerons Brewery will provide funding for performers, the main stage, sound hire and promotional costs.

Yarm Town Council is organising the gala, which will take place along the High Street, on the River Tees and at various locations in the town. The town hall will also be open for people to visit and find out more about the history of the town.

Chris Soley, director and general manager at Camerons Brewery, said: “Camerons is always pleased to work in the local community and we’re especially keen to lend our support to events which resurrect local traditions. We have a long-standing reputation in the North-east and, like Yarm, we’re really proud of our history so we’re looking forward to working with Yarm Town Council on the preparations for the gala in June.”

Jason Hadlow, chairman of Yarm Town Council, added: “We’re sure Yarm Gala will be a huge success with people from all over Teesside as there is something for everyone. The sponsorship agreement with Camerons is a major boost for us as it means that this, the first gala for almost 100 years, can kick off what we hope will become bigger and better every year.”