Keighley Gala is being given a new lease of life.

The annual charity extravaganza, which has been held for 136 years, has fresh faces at the helm.

And next year the gala, which has always traditionally been held on a Saturday, is shifting to Sunday. It is hoped the change will avoid clashes with other events.

Bosses also plan to re-introduce the procession, which was ditched this year.

Attractions, including the Marshalls funfair, were staged as normal at Victoria Park in July, but without the parade.

Andrew Jackson, who joined the gala committee earlier this year and has taken over as chairman, said: “We tried to make a go of this year’s gala under difficult circumstances.

“It is hoped that, with some new faces on the committee, more new people will come forward and past contributors will return to help move things forward.”

Next year’s gala is planned for August 11.

Mr Jackson has taken over the chairmanship from gala stalwart Brian Hudson, and Gillian Brown has succeeded another long-standing member – Gerald Brooksbank – as treasurer. Denise Hudson remains as secretary.

Another innovation planned for 2013 is that charities to benefit from the event’s proceeds will be chosen in advance, rather than afterwards.

E-mail keighleygala2012@gmail.com to offer your help.