The Knottingley to Goole Canal, the port and the embryonic town of “New Goole” was opened for business on 20 July 1826. One hundred years later the people of Goole celebrated that very important birthday in a grand manner.

A week long program of events was organised and not surprisingly music featured heavily throughout that week. The Sunday started with an Inaugural Service at Goole Parish Church after which a procession set off from the Council Chambers to West Park. There another service was conducted by the clergy of the town , assisted by the 250 strong Goole Centenary Chorus, the Goole Town Prize Band and the Goole Centenary Orchestra. That evening there were also two concerts, one in West Park and the other in South Park. 

Goole’s musicians were busy through the week at the Children’s Sports in the Victoria Pleasure Grounds, the Grand Gala Procession, the Railwaymen’s Procession, the Grand Pageant Procession until the week was concluded with a repeat of the Special Service and Musical Programme previously held at West Park, this time at South Park.

We are indebted to Susan Butler for allowing us to scan her copy of the programme, allowing us us to include it in this collection, and make it available for you to view it for yourself.