SKIPTON gala organisers are hoping visitor numbers for this Saturday's event will be on the up.

Last year's gala clashed with an England World Cup game meaning many people did not venture out to the gala field at Aireville Park and one of the events, the tug-of-war, had to be cancelled at the last minute.

Skipton Charities Gala Committee is now keeping its fingers crossed that attendance will be back on track for the event, which takes place on Saturday, June 9.

The gala, which is now in its 107th year, begins with a procession leading off from Westmoreland Street.

The parade will start assembling at 11am, followed by judging of entries at 12.15am and will start its journey through the town at 1pm.

Aireville Park is then the centre of activity. The British Legion Brass Band will play some tunes at 2pm before the Rosebud Queen Megan Flower is crowned at 2.30pm. Megan is part of an all girl team this year. Her attendants are Lydia Doherty, Annie Bishop, Erin Haden and Dannika Carroll.

Entertainment will run throughout the afternoon and early evening up until 7pm and will be announced via a public address system.

This includes Tom Foulery, Tom Tilly and Charlie Turnip, James Dylan's Stuntworld, majorettes displays, Wild Bunch, Wild West Shoot Out and Custer's Last Band.

There will also be Blackpool Donkeys, tug of war, BMX bike displays and vintage car and tractor exhibits.

Thrill seekers will be able to enjoy the numerous rides and games offered by Marshall Waddington's funfair. Mr Waddington is also sponsoring a firework display in the evening.

Proceeds from Skipton Gala go to a host of local organisations.

Last year the committee handed out over £2,000 to 15 local charities including Grassington & District Helping Hands, 9th Skipton Christ Church Scouts, Skipton Town AFC, Gateway Club, Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Holy Trinity Church's Keyholder project.