Thousands are expected to flock to gala spectacular

The city centre will be a sea of colour and filled with the stirring sound of brass bands as the traditional parade makes its way past the Royal County Hotel, Old Elvet, to The Racecourse.

More than 30 bands and banners are expected - including new ones from Fishburn and New Herrington.

The banner from Chopwell, near Gateshead, will also be paraded for the first time in many years, having been stored at the Durham National Union of Mineworkers headquarters.

The village was renowned for its militancy during the heyday of mining - it was nicknamed Little Moscow - and its banner is one of only a handful to depict the Russian Communist leader Lenin.

Chief Insp Jamie McAloon, of Durham Police, said: "I understand the weather forecast is fairly good.

"Last year, when the weather was scorching, there was in the region of 40,000 to 50,000 people. I don't see that being much different.''

Between 50 to 60 officers from all over the county will be drafted in to police the event.

But Chief Insp McAloon said: "There has only been one arrest in the last two years and that is clearly indicative of the crowd behaving themselves.

"We now police the gala for safety and traffic management - not public disorder.

"Many police officers look forward to it.

"It is a colourful event that officers and the public enjoy.

"Last year, the biggest problem was two elderly ladies collapsed with the heat. We had to hold things up to get ambulances to them.''

Many roads, particularly in the Elvet area, will be closed from 7.30am to 5pm, and police are warning that the city centre car parks will fill up quickly.

"Park on the outskirts of the city and walk in,'' said Chief Insp McAloon.

The parade will take place between 9.30am and noon, followed by speeches - including veteran left-wing MP Tony Benn - at The Racecourse.

Durham County Council has laid on entertainment.

l The Northern Echo has produced a souvenir supplement, available at the gala.