PREPARATIONS are underway for a town’s major jamboree of the year, which organisers say promises to be bigger and better than ever with the help of local people.

The Bedale Scout and Guide festival has been held in the town for over 30 years, but was nearly lost in 2017 when it had to be cancelled because of a lack of volunteers and helpers. Since then volunteers have rallied round and it has gone from strength to strength.

This year it is being held in Bedale Hall park on Sunday, June 7 from 11am to 5pm. The theme is children’s television past and present, which will give scouts and guides and all their supporters a chance to branch out with their fancy dress to take part in the opening parade.

Judges for the grand parade awards and prizes include Station Commander Blythe Crawford from RAF Leeming supported by Bedale Police, Fire Station and Keighley Scouting Network.

Entertainment on the park includes Bedale Brass Band, Freedom Discos with DJ Darren Kirk, Bedale Primary School Singing Club, Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs dog Show, Wensleydale Rugby Club taster sessions and display and a zumba display.

There will also be a tombola and special prizes raffle, hook a duck, a ducking stool and plant stall.

Refreshments will be served across the day including a bar, ice cream, Indian Spice, pancakes, home backed cakes and coffee on demand.

Several large inflatable obstacle courses are being set up alongside other entertainment for children.

Amanda Coates, one of the organisers, said: “It really is a great day for everybody and we’re just asking people to support us. A lot of work goes into this event and we are very much hoping it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.

“All we need of course is the weather, although that’s the one thing we can do little about except keep our fingers crossed.

“But whatever the weather there will be something for everyone and of course it’s supporting our Scouts and Guides, who do so much in providing great activities for our local young people.”

This year is particularly important following the recent flooding, and the group is raising money towards a new flood-proof storage unit for the Scout and Guide headquarters, which are next to Bedale Beck.

There have been issues in the past and the aim is to not only create a waterproof place to keep equipment but to build an integral climbing wall so youngsters can perfect their skills even when the weather is bad.

The festival is supported by Bedale Town Council, Black Sheep Brewery and Bedale Belles and WI groups, who provide volunteers to help make sure the event runs smoothly.

The group is also running an art competition to ensure the artwork of local young people features on the event poster and leaflets.

For more details of the art competition, or for any businesses which would like to get involved, contact bedalesgcfest@gmail.com.