The town's showpiece summer event takes place on June 12 – hours before England kick off their campaign in South Africa against USA in Rustenberg.

But bosses of the annual fund-raising spectacular are expecting people to pack Manor Heath Park and are keen to beat the £8,000 profit they distributed to local charity last year.

Chairman Christopher Wake is expecting the usual high volume of visitors.

He said: "England's first game is on in the evening so people will still be free to come throughout the day. We're hoping this year's event will be bigger and better than in previous years."

Meanwhile, Todmorden Carnival Day will kick off on May 29 with a pantomime theme. The annual event over the bank holiday weekend, is the highlight of a fair that runs from Thursday to Sunday.

Chairman of the organising committee Philip Clark said: "Various ideas were mentioned but we decided to go for the pantomime theme because there is a great deal of variety in it. It should be great fun."

Brighouse Gala takes place on June 26 and the British Army wiill be there again after a successful debut last year.

Organisers are planning to invite local musicians and hope to include 60 charitable stalls on the day at the town's Wellholme Park.

Chairman Phil Poole said: "Preparations are well under way and are gathering pace all the time. We are indebted to the people of Brighouse for making this a success.

"There is a fantastic community spirit here and people turn up and enjoy themselves no matter what the weather brings."

The 51st Shelf Gala will take centre stage on July 3.

Secretary Sharon Hird said interest in this year's event was huge, with many people hoping to take part being put on a waiting list for next year's event.

Alongside the many galas, festival and fetes taking place this summer in Calderdale are two well established and popular agricultural shows.

Preparations for the Todmorden Agricultural Show, on June 19, began last autumn, while the Halifax Agricultural Show will be held on August 14.