A BOUNTY of Victorian delights is promised at celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of a re-invigorated Aire Valley park tomorrow.

The Prince of Wales Park, in Bingley, opened on June 6, 1865 and an afternoon of 19th century fun and games will be held to mark the milestone.

The jubilations, which are organised by the park's newly-formed Friends group, will start with a grand parade from the top Eldwick gateway at 1.30pm, with supporters and local schoolchildren in Victorian dress.

"We'll be led by members of Haworth Brass Band down to the arena area, where the rest of the band will join in playing," said Allan Mirfield of the Friends.

"There'll be lots of us dressed up and hopefully the children too.

"The event will be opened by TV gardener Katie Rushforth at 2pm and then there'll be singing by Eldwick Primary School choir and other children from the school will put on a drama about the history of the park," Mr Mirfield said.

The arena at the centre of the 20 acre site will be full of marquees, stalls and gazebos including an old-style tea and cake tent run by Bingley Women's Institute.

Victoria sponges and much more will be available on a cake stall run by the Gilstead Village Society and there will also be a licensed bar and barbecue.

Victorian figures will stroll with stilt walkers in period costume and children will be able to take part in traditional games from that era, such as whip and top, hoopla, egg an spoon races, a coconut shy and giant skittles.

Music will be provided by Bingley Grammar School singers who will be performing appropriate melodies from the era of barrel organs and music halls.

The Canal and River Trust will have a stall offering bird-spotting fun for youngsters and Bingley Community Council Group (BCCG) will be organising a treasure hunt.

"We're delighted to be taking part in the anniversary of this park made so beautiful by the hard work of the Friends," said BCCG chairman Ros Dawson.

The town's Walkers are Welcome group will also be promoting its plans for a programme of local walks in the area.

Friends of Prince of Wales Park was only formed two years ago and has gained grants to improve the pathways including resurfacing work.

"We've all been working extra hard in the run up to Saturday and it's been planting, planting and more planting," Mr Mirfield said.

"Because it's a park, there's no entrance fee and all the games and events are free too.

"We want everyone to get all over the park and enjoy every bit of it," said Mr Mirfield.

"The original station was built opposite Damart in 1847 and was just a wooden shack, but people would have arrived there and joined the procession for the opening which then marched all the the way from the town centre up the hill to the park."