New Comet Festival gala king and queen crowned as event returns

The annual event will take place in Coronation Park on Saturday June 22 and taking the crown this year are local school pupils Oluwafikayomi Tafa, who is in P6 at St Michael’s, and Aaron Arthur, who is in P7 at Newark Primary.

The new gala king and queen will preside over an action-packed programme of fun for all the family starting from 11.30am through until 6pm.

They were chosen after winning a competition to design a badge for the 250th anniversary of Port Glasgow in 2025. 

(Image: George Munro)

The festival is free to attend and will feature live music, funfair, children’s activities, stalls, and food and drink tents.

Gala queen Oluwafikayomi said: “It’s great to be gala queen. I was surprised to be asked but I’m excited about it.

“I’m looking forward to the whole festival and hoping the weather will be nice too.”

Gala king Aaron said: “I am really happy to be the gala king and excited about the festival.

“I’m looking forward to the funfair and the stalls.”

The event is being organised by the Comet Festival Committee with support from Inverclyde Council and is part of the Meliora Festival once again this year.

Kelly Johnstone, from the committee, said: “The Comet Festival is an important date in the Port Glasgow calendar and is an event that many people enjoyed as children and are now bringing their own children and grandchildren.

“It’s a great way to bring the whole community of Port Glasgow and Inverclyde together and it’s a fun, free day out for families.

“We’re hoping people come out as they do each year to support the event and the weather forecast is looking good as it stands, which is always a bonus.”