BROMYARD holds centre stage this weekend when the annual Gala brings a host of steam engines and all the attractions of a traditional country fair to town.

The gala field at Birchyfields will host the event, which was due to go off with a bang last night with a grand Millennium firework display.

The main event starts tomorrow (Saturday, July 1) and runs to Sunday, from around 9.30pm to 6pm.

One of the community features is the carnival procession tomorrow, which will be led by a marching band.

Sherford Street will be closed to traffic from 1pm to 2.30pm, while the floats muster and are judged. At 2.30pm they will head through the Square, Broad Street, High Street and into Old Road to the showground. There are prizes up for grabs in five categories and they will be presented in the main arena at 3pm.

The display of steam engines and vintage vehicles has been a backbone of the event for many years and a host of machines, including around 20 traction engines, will be on display.

Old time fairground equipment also promises to be a colourful attraction, while on the country fair side the highlights include a display of rare breeds and heavy horses.

Arena events for this year include the Godbold's Lings Honda Motorcross Display Team, performing an exciting display of stunt riding on 1998 Honda CR250 machines.

The display includes a series of formation jumps, fire jumps, long distance vehicle jumps and, the team's signature, cross over jumps, which recently produced a World record leap over two lines of cars in a giant X-shape. The team, which has television appearances on ITV's You Bet! and Don't Try This At Home, will appear in 30 shows this summer.

Also making an appearance in the arena will be the Essex Dog Display Team.

Events for children include a competition sponsored by Bromyard Trade Group with a top prize of £50 worth of toys and won last year by a visitor from Czechoslovakia.

Admission for adults is £6, OAPs £4.50 and children £2. Free parking is available and for more details ring 01885 483378.