The 30th Grassington Festival gets under way tomorrow with a carnival parade around the village.

Dancers, masked children, large extravagant costumes, home-made musical instruments and decorated floats will ensure the two-week arts celebration gets off to a colourful start.

To add to the carnival atmosphere, the festival will be trying to set a new world record for the longest stretch of bunting.

The parade will leave the national park car park on Hebden Road at 5.30pm and will end up in the village square for the opening ceremony at 6.30pm.

A commemorative poem, written for the festival by Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan, will be read out.

This year’s programme offers a record-breaking 105 performers, ranging from 1960s pop stars Manfred Mann – who had hits with songs like 5-4-3-2-1 – and tenor Mark LeBrocq to former Downing Street spin doctor Alastair Campbell and comedian Ross Noble.

And providing the customary festival silliness will be the first-ever Grassington Go-Kart Hill Climb on Sunday when the main street will be transformed into a race track.

All man-powered entries and supporters are welcome in The Square for judging from noon. Races start at 2pm and prizes will be awarded for speed, best-dressed vehicle and ingenuity!

Adam Mason, the hill climb co-ordinator, said: “We’ve a good number of entries so far, but we do have room for more as the races will be in heats. Villages, pubs, clubs or just groups of friends can all join in the fun.

“There’s no limit to the outrageousness of the entries – all you need is a ‘driver’ and at least one ‘pusher’, although it would be helpful if vehicles are registered in advance.”

The entertainment doesn’t end there, as local jazz band Dales Jam will be adding to the atmosphere of the afternoon with music from around the world.

The festival’s main sponsor is the Skipton Building Society and the event is supported by the Craven Herald.

* For the full festival programme – and the hill climb rules – log onto grassington-festival.org.uk