There will be a new look to the Lord Mayor's Parade in Oxford on Monday.

The traditional carnival-style float is in decline, and more groups will be taking part on foot instead.

There will be four floats at this year's event, which is sponsored by the Oxford Mail, compared with six last time.

Tighter safety rules have pushed insurance prices up, discouraging some organisations from having a float, said Mike Moon, president of the Oxford Isis Lions Club, which is organising the event.

Mr Moon said: "We are hoping that it will be the best parade ever. We are trying a new approach. We have changed the look of the parade so that there will be more people walking instead of going on a float.

"We have opened up the parade to more people.

"Anyone can come along as long as they are in carnival costume. We are hoping for fine, dry weather."

Money raised at the event will go towards a children's adventure playground and a park for elderly people in Perm, Russia, which has a friendship link with Oxfordshire.

Liz Brighouse, director of the Oxford Council of Voluntary Action, will take money raised at several events in the city to Perm in June.

Monday's procession will start at 11am outside the Horse and Jockey pub, Woodstock Road, when new Lord Mayor, Cllr Peter Moss, and Mr Moon will judge the best float and the best costume.

There will be a funfair, stalls and arena events, including performances by a folk dance group from Oxford's German twin town, Bonn, the Sparkle Stage Set group from Headington and the Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums.