Brighton Gala Day Celebrates 30 Years of Community Spirit

Brighton’s annual gala day attracted approximately 12,000 people on October 14, 2023, marking a significant milestone as the event celebrated its 30th anniversary. The festival showcased the community spirit of this seaside town, drawing in families and individuals despite initial grey skies that eventually gave way to sunshine.

Co-organiser Colin Weatherall, who founded the event with his wife, Ann Weatherall, noted that community involvement and free entry have been central to the gala since its inception. “The first year we had a market. We had 12 stalls and it rained, I think, most of the bloody day,” Mr. Weatherall recalled, reflecting on the event’s humble beginnings. The contrast with this year’s celebration was striking, as attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with dozens of food vendors, 150 stalls, emergency services displays, carnival rides, and live entertainment.

Mr. Weatherall described the day as one of the biggest in recent years, emphasizing the joy he felt watching the crowd. “I just walk around and see all the smiling faces and the happy faces and a few grumpy ones, but that’s OK,” he said.

The event featured various activities, including helicopter rides offered by Helicopters Otago, which provided a unique aerial view along the coast. For the first time, health services were integrated into the gala, with free skin checks available from the Lions’ cancer caravan, along with complimentary blood pressure and blood sugar checks conducted by a registered nurse. These services proved popular, and Mr. Weatherall expressed hope that they would help break down barriers to medical care, encouraging attendees to seek further assistance if needed. “If we help one person, that’s a success in my book,” he stated.

Over the years, the gala has evolved into a comprehensive community event. “Progressively over the years, we’ve built it to maximum because we are jam-packed tight with stalls, activities, amusements in the community,” Mr. Weatherall explained. He emphasized that the gala is a day for the community to come together, saying, “This is Brighton, this is an experience, a fun day out. Come enjoy it with us.”

Key organizations such as the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the Green Island Lions have played a vital role in the gala’s success over the past three decades. Members volunteered and engaged in fundraising efforts during the event, although Mr. Weatherall underscored that fostering community spirit was the primary goal. “It’s the awareness that this is Brighton and it’s got a heart,” he said. “And one of the hearts beating today just happens to be the gala day.”

Despite facing challenges, such as losing significant funding from the Lottery Grants Board last year, Mr. Weatherall expressed gratitude that MTF Finance Dunedin South stepped in to help fill the financial gap. The collaboration allowed the gala to continue its tradition of bringing the community together, celebrating its rich history, and looking forward to future events that strengthen Brighton’s sense of unity.