Lord Mayor's parade turns into a green-themed carnival

Rather than having a Lord Mayor's Parade, Coun Karen Woods has opted for a carnival, with a shorter "walking" procession through the city centre.

Only vehicles considered "green" or powered by environmentally-friendly fuels are being allowed in the parade, which starts from Hull College at noon on Saturday, May 15, and takes in a one-mile circuit of the city centre.

Instead of traditional floats, people taking part are being encouraged to walk, cycle, dance or even skate the route.

So far there have been 31 entries – with some 450 people getting involved.

Because of the floods of 2007, the date for the Lord Mayor's Parade was shifted to May from its traditional date in June.

Coun Woods said: "I'm not precious about having a Lord Mayor's Parade because it should go back to where it traditionally has been in June. If the people of Hull want one in June, it's up to the people of Hull."

She added: "The footfall in the centre was fantastic with Clipper and the Freedom festival. We can never replicate that, but it would be nice to celebrate the best of Hull again."

Rugby league short games are being put on for children, as well as an inflatable dance floor, wrestling demonstrations, a tea dance and line dancing.

There will also be kayaking at Princes Dock, cycling activities, and an Armed Forces' bungee run and assault course.

An exhibition of sculpture with a difference is also opening on the day at Ferens Art Gallery.

The Manic Mechanics – Moving Sculpture by Johnny White and Amanda Wray exhibition features a spectacular 15ft sculpture made from recycled metals – a project that involved youngsters from the city – as well as some other large and quirky metal artworks by White, who is a well-known sculptor.

The event, which will be raising money for the Lord Mayor's charity appeal, Cash for Kids, will be led by the City of Hull Pipe Band.

The route goes via Silver Street, Whitefriargate, Carr Lane, Chariot Street, Paragon Street, Carr Lane, Guildhall Road, Hanover Square, and back to Hull College, and should take no longer than one hour.