Explore the beloved annual celebration of Denny and Dunipace with photographic material from the Falkirk Archives
The grounds of Herbertshire Castle were the location of the very first Denny and Dunipace Co-operative Children’s Gala Day in August 1906. The Co-op supplied milk and pastries for the visitors, which could be enjoyed as they walked around the site. On the day there was a long parade, followed by games such as football. Punch and Judy shows were shown and there was a display by a team from the Camelon Gymnasium.
Gala days and agricultural shows continued between WWI and WWII. During wartime time concerts were held in the park to raise war funds. The grounds and events acted as a gathering space for all members of the community. For example, German prisoners of war from the camp at Castle Rankine erected a dais at Herbertshire Castle Park in June 1946 for the crowning of Elizabeth Sneddon as Denny’s Victory Queen. The parkland to the east of the castle site was retained and made into a public park, though its diminished size meant that the last agricultural show was held there in 1952.
The photos document the procession of the Gala, circa 1910-1935. Some photos show the procession passing along Stirling Street and Glasgow Road. St. Alexander's church and the Picture House cinema are also visible. Other photos give a clearer view of the pipe band and the horse drawn floats.
Galas were held in a different part of the town for a number of years. There was a community desire for Galas to be brought back to Herbertshire Castle Park which is known locally as the Gala Park. In 2014, after a gap of 14 years, a Denny and Dunipace Gala was held in the Herbertshire Castle Park. This was The Denny and Dunipace Heritage Society Commemorative Gala marking the 10 year anniversary of the Society.
