THE annual Hawkshaw Gala is back with rousing razzmatazz — and has been ‘supersized’ to mirror this year’s American theme.

The event took a break last year after the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 and was replaced with a one-off fun day.

But the gala is now set to span three days — July 4, 5 and 6 — at the recreational ground off Bolton Road and the theme was chosen because American Independence Day falls on the first day of the event.

On the Friday, a live bands night will be staged in a marquee, and on Saturday there will be a themed disco with fancy dress encouraged, as well as stalls, a barbecue and children’s rides.

And on Sunday morning, there will be a church service with a twist — animals will be allowed into the service which will take place in the marquee, followed later by a pet show.

Kate Caldwell, one of the organisers, said that more of the community has got involved, with local schools and churches helping with arrangements, in addition to Hawkshaw Village Trust.

She said: “The gala has more of a community feel now, and as well as the village trust, the churches and school are now involved. So now we hope it will be bigger and better this year after having a year off.

“In America everything is bigger so hopefully we can follow their lead.”

Miss Caldwell, aged 31, said the gala has been an annual fixture in the Hawkshaw calendar, and they hope to keep the tradition going for many future years.

She added: “I remember it from when I was a kid. It is a shame that we can’t carry on some traditions, such as having a gala queen, but we hope to be able to do that again in the future.”

For more information: visit hawkshawgala.com