Organisers vow that the gala will go on despite the terrible floods

The annual event, which has been put back an hour to incorporate the re-arranged Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade, takes place on Saturday.

Festival organiser Barry Greenwood said: “We want both Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd to have the benefit of having two events on the same day.

“It is looking like there are two organisations who aren’t going to be beaten by the water.”

The procession, which will also host the 2012 Gala Queen – Amy Harris – is set to leave the Orchard Industrial Park at 1pm, before winding its way onto the playing fields at around 1.30pm.

The retinue will be Lauren Best, Emily Taylor-Croasdale and Josie Chantler-Bragg.

On the grass, there will be a 40ft stage occupied by Dene Michael of Black Lace, Bonny from X Factor, Neil Hurst, Rick Wild from The Overlanders and Tracey Goodwin – who is a Dusty Springfield tribute.

Barry said: “As each year goes by, what I want to do is beat the previous year in terms of entertainment and activities. I definitely think we are going to achieve that this year with the current line-up.

“We have got a top line-up of artists coming and as there was such a good response to Dene Michael last year, we are delighted that he’s agreed to come back again.”

There will be floats, fancy dress, children’s entertainment, a fun fair, a bouncy castle, various competitions – including a baby show, and a large number of stalls. There will also be a beer tent, with ales supplied by Little Valley Brewery.

There will also be a taekwondo team, Mytholmroyd Karate Club, athletics events organised by Mary Smith, Bradford Pipe Band, Hebden Bridge Brass Band – who will lead the procession, Little Valley Brewery and Mytholmroyd Marmaladies.

Barry said: “Because of the theme being the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, we have put something on for everyone. From the fun of the races on the field to rock and roll on the stage it is sure to be fantastic - and we Dene will be doing his conga again.”

Other guests of note will be Deputy Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Christine Beal, the Mayor of Hebden Royd, Coun Christine Davenport, the Mayor of Todmorden, Coun Abid Hussain.

Tickets are £2 (£1.50 children) when bought in advance and £3 (£2 for children) when bought at the gate on the day.

The event has also had the backing of Natural Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon said: “I am really impressed that Mytholmroyd is holding its gala this weekend. Everybody who was going to go should still go to the gala because that will boost that community.”

They can be purchased from Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Mytholmroyd Post Office or Hair & There, Hebden Bridge.

There will also be a raffle on the day –-tickets £1, which should be drawn some time after 4.30pm.

Barry added: “Make sure you have got your tickets. We are going to have a cracking floor display - not to mention on the field.

“As we run up to Saturday’s event I am begging everyone to buy their tickets now to save time on the day.”