Gala gathering (4)
I believe the answer is:
fete
'gala gathering' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for fete that I've seen before include "Festival, fiesta" , "Outdoor entertainment run for charity" , "Big outdoor party" , "Honour lavishly; outdoor function" , "Event held to raise money" .)