A children’s gala has been brought back to life after a gap of around 20 years – but more help is needed to help revive the much loved event.

Former electrical goods company Crompton Parkinson’s held their first children’s gala in Parkinson’s Park in Guiseley, in 1949.

It became an annual event, much loved and looked forward to by the children of staff, and local children who were lucky enough to have tickets. However, the last gala was held sometime in the 1990s.

But now thanks to funding from the Leeds Outer North West Area Committee and Comic Relief Community, the Friends of Parkinson’s Park have announced the gala will be held again on Sunday, September 8, 2013, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

The Friends of Parkinson’s Park used the archives of the Wharfedale Observer to find information on past attractions. For example in 1953 there was a miniature railway, a roundabout, Punch and Judy, magic show, donkey rides and races for the under and over eights, as well as a tennis tournament on the courts.

Sixty years later in 2013 there will be: Dan Slater’s Magic Show; Punch and Judy; fairground stalls, including a coconut shy, and roll a penny; races; craft activities run by the Methodist Church; tug of war; Ian Dawes’ Subman; Guiseley Brass Band and Otley Junior Brass Band will provide the music, and drinks will be on sale. Bring your own picnic and chairs.

However, Jennifer Kirkby, chairman of the Friends of Parkinson’s Park, said help was still required.

She said: “The Friends are looking for a number of local people to help with reviving this much loved event, which is being organized this year by Chris Parapia and her trusty sub-committee.

“If you could spare some time to have fun and help with manning and putting up stalls, decorating the park, running some of the games and collecting litter at the end, please could you email parkinsonspark@gmail.com or give Chris a call on (01943) 877282.”

The Friends would also like to hear stories about old children’s galas and copies of old photographs taken at the event for its Heritage Lottery Funded, BBC backed, All Our Stories, project, which will be telling the story of Parkinson’s Park through time, in a variety of booklets, leaflets, talks and information boards.

Jennifer added: “The purpose is to keep Guiseley’s history and time-honoured character alive and relevant to new generations and new people to the area.”

Email your photos and stories to: parkinsonspark@gmail.com