PREPARATIONS are well underway for this year’s Old Town Festival, but your help is needed to ensure the event is a success.

This year’s festival takes place from June 27 to July 5 and the festivities traditionally kick off with a parade around the streets of Old Town.

This is often seen as one of the highlights of the town’s calendar but the festival committee needs help in getting the event off the ground.

Secretary of the committee Caroline Pitt said: “We are looking for someone to organise the parade. This will involve encouraging activity groups to take part, and then co-ordinating the event on the day. It is hard work but very rewarding.

“Previous events have included a visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, but we don’t expect anyone quite as famous this year.”

It is Armed Forces Day on June 28 as well, so Caroline has suggested that there may be scope for a parade with a military flavour.

“The Old Town Festival parade has been a significant part of the Old Town Festival summer scene for many years but we need more help to run the parade this year. And this is the time for you to be part of the summer’s major community event.”

The Family Fun Day on the Lawns will take place on June 28 and there will be stalls, fairground rides and entertainment in the Commonweal marquee. It promises to be a good day out for all ages, regardless of the weather.

The Old Town Festival 2014 will officially be launched on May 9, with an Old Time Music Hall theme inspired by musical acts from the First World War.

There will be auditions for children and adults in the community at Commonweal School on Monday, March 24, from 3pm to 6.30pm.

If you can help in organising the parade, contact Trevor Smith, Old Town Festival committee chairman, on trevor.smith1977@live.co.uk or secretary Caroline Pitt on email carolinempitt@googlemail.com or call 01793 521732.

To see pictures of previous parades, visit www.oldtownfestival.co.uk.