Oxford's annual Lord Mayor's parade is in danger of being called off this year due to lack of public support.

The traditional fundraising event, planned for Monday, June 3, features floats and people on foot from local charities and organisations, culminating in a family fun day in South Park.

Mike Moon, president of the Oxford Isis Lions Club, which organises it, said: "We are in crisis.

"Both the parade and the arena events in South Park may have to be cancelled this year due to lack of interest from the public.

"If we cannot get at least 15 floats, walkers and vehicles and, most importantly, a band to take part in the parade then it will not take place.

"We are appealing to everyone in Oxford and the surrounding area to come forward and make it an enjoyable day for the new Lord Mayor."

The parade is traditionally one of the Lord Mayor's first official engagements. Gill Sanders took office on Monday.

Last year's procession was well-supported and the Lions Club raised more than £1,000, from hiring out pitches for stalls, towards a children's play area in the Russian town of Perm. The Lions Club was hoping to donate proceeds from this year's event to the Air Ambulance Service.

The parade is usually held on the late May bank holiday but was put back a week to coincide with the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

Cllr Bryan Keen, vice-president of the Lions Club, said he believed the lack of interest was due to competition from other Jubilee events and street parties around the county.

He said: "At our last meeting we decided that it would be silly to put on a Lord Mayor's parade with only half a dozen floats and no band. We are hoping we can resurrect interest in it before we meet again on Monday. "I believe there will be enough charity stalls and arena events to keep the South Park side of the day going," he added.

The rising cost of vehicle hire and insurance has seen the number of floats taking part in the Lord Mayor's parade fall in recent years.

In an attempt to attract more organisations, people are now encouraged to dress up and walk in the parade.

Cllr Beryl Keen, a former Lord Mayor and member of the Oxford Isis Lions Club, said: "It is a day the new Lord Mayor really looks forward to, as he or she leads the parade in the Lord Mayor's car. "Oxford is a very important place and the Lord Mayor's parade is part of its history and traditions."

Anyone who wants to take part in the parade or arena events should call Mike Moon on 01865 730296, or Bryan Keen on 01865 776948.