THE organisers of Cottingham Day are hoping this year's festival will be the busiest ever.
The annual summer celebration of village life attracted more than 15,000 visitors last year and has been growing steadily since it was founded almost a decade ago.
It will feature live music, classic cars, go-karts and birds of prey.
Alan Wright, chairman of the parish council committee behind the day, said excitement was mounting.
He said: "We always expect 15,000 or so people and it was estimated we could have had more last year because it was absolutely packed.
"This is the ninth year. It's pretty well-established and we always see it as one of the Cottingham highlights.
"I hope it will be our busiest ever – success breeds success."
The festival will be held on Saturday, July 5, and organisers are hoping for sunshine.
Ann Abel, who sits on the committee with Mr Wright and runs the day's dog show, is keeping her fingers crossed.
She said: "Everything is dependent on the weather.
"With us doing the dog show, there's nothing worse than having wet dogs.
"I've booked the weather with Him up there, so let's see what happens."
The day will feature live music from a wide range of acts, including a Michael Buble tribute and a Strictly Come Dancing-inspired show.
It is being opened by East Riding Council chairman Pat O'Neil at 11am.
There will be more road closures this year, meaning extra space for stalls.
The Derby and Joan Hall, Civic Hall and Memorial Hall will all be open to the public, while St Mary's Church in Hallgate is offering tours of its tower.
The village's four East Riding councillors have given Cottingham Day their backing.
Lena Slater, who represents Cottingham South, said: "This is a great event for the village and we do hope it gets a lot of support.
"I think it's always a brilliant day and I'm sure it will be again this year."
Her views were echoed by Geraldine Mathieson of Cottingham North. She urged families to look out for the village history society's display on the First World War.
Cllr Mathieson said: "There are a lot of local newspaper cuttings and all sorts of photographs and things."
The day will give visitors a chance to get their health checked, with the rotary club sponsoring blood pressure tests for those at risk.
