WORCESTER'S first gala celebration is set to bring the city to life today.

Twenty local rock and pop bands, an illusionist and a tribe of dancers are already gearing up for the eight-hour event, starting at 1pm.

Organiser Trevor Smith, whose committee was forced to scrap this year's annual carnival procession due to lack of floats, said he hoped the festival would be an exciting replacement.

"We've got some good attractions and a great musical showcase," he said.

"The weather shouldn't be a problem as long as it is just showers and not a continuous downpour.

"People can take shelter in the beer tents or be entertained in the big marquees."

The Reality Group, which owns GUS and White Arrow, has sponsored the gala day, while two of its employees, Shaun Halliwell and Bob Matthews, recruited local bands.

Two stages have been set up on the racecourse where performers, including Columbus Minus 7, Tree Frogs, Jamie Knight, Spoonfed and The Whole Kobudle, will entertain the crowds between 1-9pm.

Other attractions include an illusionist who will magic a motorcyle and its rider into thin air, with appalachian step dancers performing a combination of line, sequence and tap.

Clowns, stilt walkers, gyroscope, trampolining, face painting and a Punch and Judy show are lined up to put a smile on children's faces.

And budding DJs will have the chance to learn the tricks of the trade while drummers share their expertise.

Refreshments and bars will be readily available.

"It's a completely different event to the carnival and I think we are going to miss the floats," said Mr Smith.

"But we are all hoping it will be a good replacement and a procession can go ahead next year."