BROMYARD Gala is back on the calendar for 2002 and organisers are determined to make sure it is a memorable one.

This year's 34th annual event, which takes place over the weekend of July 6-7, is the first for two years after the last-minute cancellation of the 2001 show due to the foot and mouth crisis.

Society chairman Liz Huffer, who missed out presiding over the show during her first year in the role, is confident that this year's programme of shows, stalls and fairground activities will again attract the visitors from all over England and abroad.

"We're all looking forward to it and all working like mad to put the final touches on it," she said. "We're beginning to work on the field now it's stopped raining and it's all progressing well.

"I'm chairman for the second year but I haven't had an actual show because last year everything had to be cancelled.

"However, I was vice-chairman for many years and I'm looking forward to it this year. It's great, we're all working very hard and we're all very positive. We'll be pleased to get back out there. We were all a bit sorry last year."

This year's gala will have even more to offer townsfolk and visitors.

A new section on gardening and conservation has been added to the show and on Saturday, July 6, steam engines, vintage lorries, tractors and military vehicles will parade through the town in place of the old carnival.

Organisers have drafted in the 30-strong Royal Corps of Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Demonstration Team as the main highlight of the weekend. They will perform on both Saturday and Sunday.

Leading up to the weekend, events will include a rodeo to celebrate American Independence Day on July 4, rickshaw racing and a vintage fair.

Six-a-side football and a dogshow take place on June 29 and 30, with a quiz at the Falcon Hotel on Tuesday, July 2 and a whist drive at the same venue the next night.

Anyone wishing to take a stand at the Bromyard Trade Group Shopping Arcade, an annual feature at the event, should telephone 01568 614611 or 01885 483728.

Tickets cost £6 for adults, £4.50 for OAPs, £2 for children and are available from Bromyard Leisure Centre.

Anyone interested in joined Bromyard Gala Society should telephone Jean Gwalchmai on 01885 482836.