http://www.partyideasforyou.com/gala-definition/
What is the actual definition of a gala?
GALA definition: A festive occasion, especially a lavish social event or entertainment. (An athletic competition, especially a swimming contest – Chiefly British usage)
Word origin:
Italian, and French both ultimately from Old French gale, rejoicing, from galer, to make merry
synonyms: A large or important social gathering: affair, celebration, festivity, fete, function, occasion, party, soiree. Informal: do. Slang: bash.
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/gala
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/thesaurus/entry/gala;_ylt=AtrC1WH.L.QUbpIS5_M7QjWugMMF
High Definition Version British Railways Steam Gala 2009 on The South Coast Railway