A much-loved Teesside event is back for 2019 and this year it promises to take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a few modern twists and turns for good measure!
On Sunday 18 August 2019 the Steel Gala will transform the Corus Club in Dormanstown, Redcar into a vibrant gala packed full of traditional entertainment and community fun.
For many years the Steel Gala was a highlight on Redcar’s event calendar, steel workers and their families traditionally celebrated and communities came together and had a good old-fashioned family day out. Over time the Steel Gala reduced in size but the memories and the ethos behind it are very much alive in the communities of Redcar and the gala continued with the support and passion of local volunteers.
This year the Gala is being ‘reimagined’ by the team behind it thanks to funding from the Great Place Tees Valley project. Very much at the heart of the event are the ‘The Ladies of Steel’ who have been running the event as volunteers for the last 11 years.
Ladies of Steel
Ladies of Steel founder Debbie Powlay explains: “The gala is still retaining the same traditional values of community and celebration but this year we are adding a few more modern-day influences.”
She went on to say “we are working hard to ensure the event is the perfect mix of traditional fairground rides, marching bands and artistic performance. We want everyone to come to the gala and celebrate the past and look to the future together.”
Debbie added “Just as the Steel Galas of days gone by reflected the communities that lived and worked on Teesside, the 2019 gala with reflect the diverse and ever-changing communities of today who have been shaped and influenced by the steel and iron industries of yesterday. “
One of the exciting developments for this year is the Artists Residency that has been developed in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Tees Valley Arts.
Cattle & Cane
The gala team are really excited to be working with Joe Hammill frontman of popular Teesside band Cattle & Cane. He will be creating a ten-track album of songs inspired by exploring the history, thoughts and memories of the traditional Redcar Steel Gala and Redcar’s steel heritage. The album will be launched with a live performance at the 2020 Steel Gala and will be available as a limited-edition CD and digital release.
In our blood
Councillor Karen King, Deputy Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Steel is in our region’s blood.
“At Kirkleatham Museum, thirteen thousand people have visited our Steel Stories exhibition which pays tribute to the men and women of steel. The Steel made in our area has helped to build and shape the modern world, something we are keen to ensure continues for many generations to come. We’re thrilled the Steel Gala will be celebrating this proud heritage while also looking to the future.”
In true traditional gala style, the community parade will kick start the event, complete with a marching band or two. Parking and refreshments are available onsite all day.
FREE ENTRY – 18 AUGUST 2019 – 10AM-5PM
CORUS CLUB – DORMANSTOWN- REDCAR- TS10 5LZ
The Great Place Scheme
The Great Place Scheme is designed to pilot new approaches that enable cultural and community groups to work more closely together and to place heritage at the heart of communities. The Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England have funded 16 pilot areas in
England. The scheme will enable cultural and heritage organisations to make a step-change in how they work together, and with other organisations in other sectors, in order that arts, culture and heritage contribute more to meeting local social and economic objectives. For more information, go to www.greatplacescheme.org.uk
“ A Great Place Tees Valley project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England’
