THE second Thirsk Festival is under way. Organisers are aiming to build on the success of last year's event, which raises cash for Rotary Club charities.

The climax of the festival is a carnival on Sunday with a procession of floats from the town centre to Sowerby Flatts at 1pm, as well as a bed race to the flatts.

The carnival, which runs from 11am to 4pm, also includes a tug of war, a parachute display, fire and rescue display, a hot air balloon, a fairground, music and dancers and a miniature railway.

Other events include a concert by the Terry Lightfoot Jazz Band on Thursday and the Merseysippi Jazz Band on Friday in Thirsk Town Hall. Saturday sees silver bands and classic vehicles on Sowerby Flatts, as well as Sutton Poultry Show.

More details are available from the tourist information centre.