Thousands of residents and visitors are expected to help Otley celebrate its 30th carnival in style this weekend.

The annual fundraiser will begin at 1.15pm on Saturday when a parade featuring more than 30 flamboyantly decorated floats, walking tableaus and other entries sets off from Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart.

Seven schools, including Prince Henry's Grammar School’s concert band and seven other bands, drumming groups and Westgate Cheerleaders will also be taking part, along with a traction engine, ambulance and fire engine.

Led by Otley Bellman Terry Ford followed by dignitaries in open cars, this year’s procession is set to be one of the biggest in the carnival’s history and will end, as always, at the attractions-packed Bridge End showground.

Otley Carnival Committee chairman Geoff Wright said: “The carnival’s 30th anniversary will be a big day for many people from the town and surrounding area.

"Apart from the hundreds of participants in the parade, there will be many visitors crowding the streets to see the floats, bands and other entries before following them to the Bridge End showground to join in the many activities there.

“Our main aim, as always, is to ensure that all the children, of all ages, have a really great day.”

Attractions at the showground will include fairground rides, giant inflatables, pony rides a Scouts assault course and other games, and a variety of stalls.

Arena events, meanwhile, will include displays by Kenshinkan Martial Arts, Otley Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, and Galloping Acrobatics.

Proceeds this year will go to Otley Brass Band’s feeder group, Wharfe Brass, and the Otley Parish Scout and Guides Association.