KEIGHLEY’S annual gala will not take place this year, organisers have revealed.

They said the event would be “taking a break” but it was hoped to resurrect the charity extravaganza in 2018, however more volunteers would be needed.

In place of this year’s event, Marshalls Amusements – a long-time supporter of the gala – will stage a funfair in Victoria Park from Friday, September 8 to Monday, September 11.

It will include a children’s fun day, with various activities.

A gala spokesman said: “It is with great regret that, due to unavoidable and unfortunate circumstances beyond the control of our committee, the regular gala is taking a break for this year.

“We plan for it to return next year.

“However, we stress that we are a small and entirely volunteer-led group so will be looking in the autumn for more local residents to get involved and help keep this proud local tradition going.”

After last year’s gala – the 140th – organisers issued a plea for more people to come forward to help stage the event, which raises thousands of pounds for local charities.

They said additional assistance was needed both before the event and on the day itself.

Proceeds from the gala go to various charitable causes, including Manorlands hospice and Keighley Scout groups.

Last year, sunshine helped bring people out in force to line the procession route through the town and enjoy a range of attractions at Victoria Park.

The event began with the crowning of the gala queen in Town Hall Square. The parade, which set off about an hour later from the bottom of Spring Gardens Lane, was headed by the traditional penny wagon.

Attractions at the park included a variety of local produce and charity stalls, games, food, ice creams, Marshalls funfair and a ducking stool.

There were also various performances, plus live music on stage from several acts.

And the day culminated with a dusk fireworks display, courtesy of Marshalls, staged by locally-based Optimum Fireworks.