Medals Gala 2026

WELCOME TO THE SWAMP

It's Back and Full - Medals Gala Saturday 6th June 2026

We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible response to the return of the Garstang Gators Medals Gala, our swamp filled up instantly! Thank you to all clubs and swimmers for your enthusiasm and support; it’s clear this event means a lot to so many of you. We’re sorry that we can’t accommodate everyone this time, but don’t worry, another gala is already in the works. Accepted entries are available by clicking the link below and we can’t wait to welcome those joining us for what promises to be a fantastic event.

Essential Information

Please click the button to downlad accepted entries 

Download Accepted

If you need to withdraw from an event or the gala, please email gators@garstangasc.org.uk on or before Friday 5th June 6.00pm. Please give full name, event details and Club.

Events Programme

 

Mak Swimwear is your trusted destination for premium swimwear and accessories, catering to all ages and genders. They are passionate about swimming and work tirelessly to provide products that inspire confidence, whether you’re dipping your toes for the first time or diving into competitive waters.

In addition to our online store, they also have a dedicated showroom based in Preston which you are welcome to visit!

Their passion for swimming extends beyond the digital realm. Through their pop-up swim shops, they create spaces where swimmers can connect with their team, explore their products, and find expert advice tailored to their needs. Throughout the day the Mak Swimwear Shop will be open for you to get advice on the right size  race suit, replace those goggles that broke in the first race or satisfy your shopping bug.

 
 

We are delighted to have Steven Smith Photography attending the Gala. They will be there taking pictures throughout the day, so if you are interested in having your swimmer photographed, comepeting in their favourite stroke, then please fill in the form below.  They have been accredited by Swim England in line with Wavepower safeguarding, No other poolside photography will be allowed.

Name
Which Events

Gator's Head Trophy

The Gators Head Trophy: A New Era Begins

The Medals Gala 2026 marks the historic debut of the Gators Head Trophy, a brand-new 4x50m freestyle relay designed to push every club to their limit. This isn’t just another race; it’s a test of depth, strategy, and pure club spirit.

The Challenge

One team. Four swimmers. One goal. To claim the head, clubs must field a diverse squad consisting of:

  • One Under-10

  • One Under-12

  • One Under-14

  • One Open-Age Competitor

High Stakes & Elite Rewards

While the trophy represents history and bragging rights, the stakes have just been raised. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s inaugural race is officially sponsored by AP Race.

Thanks to their incredible support, the winning club won’t just walk away with the Gator’s Head—they will also win an exclusive club visit from the AP Race Development Team. This is a world-class opportunity to bring elite coaching insights and inspiration directly to your home pool.

Defend the Swamp

Entries are now closed, and the heat is on. To the winners go the spoils, the pride, and the visit of a lifetime. But remember: once you’ve pulled the Gator from the swamp, every other club will be hungry to snatch it back next year.

Who will be the first to make history?

*Image is a representative render

AP Race was founded in 2019 by Triple Olympic Champion Adam Ramsay-Peaty, with his training partner, and now CEO, Ed Baxter. The initial aim was to run five Race Clinics across England and provide a unique experience for attendees. With these events selling out in less than 9 minutes and the standard of the delivery of these clinics, Adam & Ed realised there was a huge opportunity to launch innovative projects to drive the swimming world forwards. 

Both Adam and Ed’s lives have been shaped by swimming, often sport can be the thing that gets people through the struggles, especially as a young person. Having a sport such as swimming to be by your side can change people’s lives and this the cornerstone of AP Race. To launch projects that drive the sport of swimming that is so important for so many people, to be even better. 

The growth of AP Race has been rapid and they couldn’t be more grateful for the support we have seen from the swimming community.

Better Than Yesterday

In 2021 Better Than Yesterday became embedded within AP Race and everything they do. The pursuit of becoming Better Than Yesterday is not about being faster, or stronger or more powerful than the day before, it is about the dedication to continual progression.

Being Better Than Yesterday is the commitment that when you wake up every day you always make the decision to make the choices that will lead you towards your goals.

You don’t always need to be faster; you don’t always need to be stronger but every day you just need to ask yourself to be…

Better Than Yesterday

Let's Have Some Fun

We know how boring it can be sat waiting for your race. You’ve warmed up before you have woken up and now you are sat cooling down waiting to put in your best performance. Yes, you can discipline yourself to get out your bands and stretch, but your coach is poolside supporting the team and you are trying to beat your friend on some random game on your phone. Fear not, help is at hand with GA Fitness providing land training warm up sessions every 40 minutes starting at 9.30am.

There is no point in having a fitness trainer attending without providing a sound system to accompany so we have hired DJ Tonez to be playing tunes throughout the day when Land Training is not happening. pass him your requests, shout outs and messages of support and most importantly have some fun.

PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE DRY; TRAINERS AND CLOTHING MUST BE WORN FOR DANCING/ LAND TRAINING