A VOLUNTARY organisation may end its involvement with the Lord Mayor's parade in Oxford after playing a part in the event for 30 years.

Oxford Isis Lions collected just £240 for charities at this year's Gala Day, which traditionally ends the parade, after only a small number of floats, stalls and visitors turned up.

In past years the Isis Lions has raised more than £3,000, and even last year's poorly-attended event raised more than £1,000.

The group's president, Marion Stockton, said: "For the amount of effort, it is not nearly enough."

Oxford City Council has also said the future of the event is in question, and a meeting between councillors and council officers took place earlier this month to discuss its dwindling popularity.

Mrs Stockton blamed the gala's falling revenues on increased costs, new regulations, and the public's lack of interest in an old-fashioned event.

She said: "This type of event is quite old hat. I would say that audiences of today want something bigger and better and more spectacular things where thousands and thousands of pounds are pumped into it, like the balloon fiesta.

"This is something that is nothing better than a village fete simply because we have not got the financial backing."

She added: "Considering that the Lions club has been involved with the Lord Mayor's parade for many many years I think it is sad, but times move on."

Ms Stockton said a city council charge to hire South Park introduced this year, healthy and safety regulations, and £5m public liability insurance, had all taken their toll.

Lord Mayor Jim Campbell said: "It has not been going so well for two or three years.

"Either we stop having the parade completely, which I hope we don't do, or, if we do have it, we make radical changes to make sure it is good fun and make sure the people who take part get a good return."

One possibility put forward was for the parade to be held as part of the Year of Festivals, organised by Oxford Inspires.