IF the coronavirus pandemic couldn't see off the 55th annual Spennymoor Gala, a spot of rain certainly wasn't going to dampen spirits when festivities finally kicked off this weekend after a year-long delay.
The annual gala had to be cancelled at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

The Northern Echo: Spennymoor Gala was held on Saturday in Jubilee Park, Spennymoor. Spennymoor Town Band entertain the crowd 3/7/21 Pic Doug Moody Photography.
But thanks to a mammoth effort from organisers and support from the community, the event was finally able to celebrate its 55th gala on Saturday - and organisers already have their sights on an even bigger event next year.

The Northern Echo: Classic cars on display. Picture DOUG MOODY
John Culine, gala committee member, said: “It was something we thought impossible to pull off, but we did it. We delayed it many times but we persevered to put it on and celebrate the town.
“We had support from the council and the locals to put something together to celebrate the town.
“We had a great turn out, all the numbers were controlled, and it was all Covid safe with hand sanitiser and social distancing.
“Next year it will be back bigger than ever, and we will be putting the parade back on again.”
The gala is the highlight of the year for many in the town and this year's event didn't disappoint with food stalls, fun-filled activities and games for the whole family in Jubilee Park.
Local traders and a range of classic cars were all present too and Bishop Auckland MP  Dehenna Davison even turned out, along with Mayor Neil Foster, to raise money for Spennymoor Town Band.

The Northern Echo: Spennymoor Gala was held on Saturday in Jubilee Park, Spennymoor. Stilt walkers entertain the crowd 3/7/21 Pic Doug Moody Photography.

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