A host of activities will be on offer at the annual Harden Children’s Gala.

This year’s event – the 40th – takes place on June 15.

A procession led by the New Orleans Jazz Band will leave the top of Long Lane at 1.40pm and will be joined, after judging, by fancy dress entrants.

It will make its way to the Memorial Hall Park where, at 2pm, Gala Queen Isobel Robinson – assisted by her attendants Sophie Barnett and Chloe Hird – will formally open the event.

Admission to the park is free but programmes are 50p, with buyers being entered into a prize draw.

Activities will include games, stalls, a bouncy castle, slides, a roundabout, train rides, music from the jazz band and two performances from a magician.

Free-to-enter children’s races will begin at 3.10pm, with the top three in each final receiving a medal. A cafe will feature home baking, and there will be the ever-popular ice cream stall.

The gala will culminate with the traditional bubble blowing competition.

Organisers thank villagers and all those who support the event, but extra help is welcome on the day. Call at the gala field from 8.30am. Contact Solna Burnham on 01535 273120 or Jackie Smith on 01535 958742 to help on a stall or game.