Heavy showers and Jon’s forecast of rain in the week up to the gala led gala official Mr Barry Greenwood to write in Yorkshire twang to Jon stating: ”It‘s Mytholmroyd Gala this Satdyt and I wernt reyt appy wy thi forcast, its tha job tu mek it a gud sunny day so get thi fingr out or thal cop it.”

Jon duly read the letter out on the Calendar weather slot and surprisingly there was only a slight drizzle at the start of the procession with it being fine and overcast for the rest of the event.

Jokingly Mr Greenwood said: ”Jon underestimated his special powers and as a result we had a great day.”

More than 3,000 people attended one of the premier outdoor events in the Calder Valley social calendar.

The parade was smaller than in previous years but was still as colourful said Mr Greenwood who was the parade marshall.

“Unfortunately with the new insurance legislation floats were quite sparse on the ground,” he said.

Headed by Hebden Bridge Band and the Junior Band the procession featured the incoming and retiring gala queens, majorettes, a gymnastic display team, adult and children’s fancy dress characters, local schools, the Mayor of Calderdale Coun Conrad Winterburn, the Mayor Hebden Royd, Coun Susan Press who officially opened the event, and the Deputy Mayor of Todmorden, Coun Cheryl Stovin.

In welcoming people to the opening, chairman of the gala, Mr Gian Gabbi said “It is a nice feeling to see such a huge number of locals and your presence is greatly appreciated.”

But Mr Gabbi warned the gala committee was going through a serious crisis.

“We are desperately short of committee members. And if we are unable to recruit new members this may be the last ever gala. The village will sadly lose a much treasured event and local charities will lose financial support Please do not let this happen.

“Come and join us and show your community spirit. I am proud to belong to such a spirited community and I would like to stress that it is important to keep the event active because this is your village, your gala and your heritage. Let us preserve the tradition of such a special village occasion,” he added.

Councillor Press said: “It would be sad if an occasion like this, which is so much part of community life in Mytholmroyd, were not to happen again.”

New queen Kate Salter was crowned by retiring queen Jenny Holmes.

The field was packed with a variety of entertainment which included the Diamond Gymnastics Team, the Pendle Dog Agility Display Team, the Silver Silhouettes Majorettes, children’s rides, bouncy castle, roundabouts, inflatable slide and in the playground the entertainer Uncle Peter.

One of the highlights of the show was the Birds of Prey display.