One of the highlights of the social calendar in Merthyr Tydfil was the June Fete and Gala in Cyfarthfa Park. The first fete was opened in 1923 by Lord Buckland, because the event was held to honour him for all his many donations to the Borough, which included The Sandbrook and Berry Wards in the General Hospital. The proceeds of the annual Fete and Gala went towards supporting the hospital. There was a carnival pageant starting at the Fountain and then stretching for over two miles to Cyfarthfa Castle. There was a children’s fancy dress parade and many colourful floats but the star attraction was the Fete Queen.  The judging of the various entries took well over an hour. The first fete was such a success that the event continued to be held for 25 years and raised much needed funds for the General Hospital. Thousands attended each year and the main attractions varied; the included a death defying dive from a high platform into a tank of water, tight rope walkers, comedy acts, acrobats, gymnasts. There was even a football match on bicycles!. There were horse and dog shows. Brass bands played in the bandstand and there was fierce competition between the jazz bands. Each Borough ward had stalls to raise money. The young nurses in full uniform were sent around the town with collecting boxes and they returned to Cyfarthfa Park in time for the main event; which was the crowning of the Fete Queen. One of the main organisers of the day was Alderman Lewis Jones, who was secretary and organiser for 17 years.

Viscount Kemsley, the younger brother of Lord Buckland, opened the Silver Jubilee Fete and Gala in 1947 and Lady Kemsley crowned the Fete Queen, Miss Ruth Donovan from Pantglas School, who wore a beautiful pink satin gown ad a red velvet robe. Due to dedicated voluntary work over £60,000 was raised in 25 years for the hospital through this annual event. The coming of the National Health Service altered the whole funding situation since the hospital no longer had to rely on charitable donations. The Fete and Gala changed its emphasis and became the social event to mark the Whit Bank holiday.

Carolyn Jacob.