The future of the procession was under threat after changes in the law led to a steep rise in road closure costs, but the organising committee has raised sufficient funds to enable the event to go ahead on Saturday, August 2.

With eight floats already committed to the event, organisers want other groups to join in, either entering decorated floats or taking part on foot.

Annette Wilson, committee chairman, said: “It’s Ripon’s biggest day and it always has a great atmosphere. We want new and former entrants to come forward and help make this year’s event a big success.”

Because the organising committee has raised sufficient funds, there are no entry fees for groups to take part in the procession.

Through its fundraising, the committee has also lined up lots of free entertainment for the day on one half of the market square. This will include a Caribbean steel band, Punch and Judy show, bouncy castle, face painting, magicians, clowns, acrobats, and living statues, from 10am - 5pm. The other half of the square will be hosting the visiting fun fair.

This year’s parade starts at 2pm and will wind through the streets of Ripon before finishing at the cathedral for a thanksgiving service at 5pm. As well as the floats, other attractions in the parade include a New Orleans parade band, cars, fire engine and walking entertainers.

For further information or to volunteer to help on the day, contact Annette on 07904 162118 or the committee secretary, Sheila Burney, on 07971 501944.