THOUSANDS are expected to descend in Thomas Shanks Park for the hottest event of the summer calendar - Johnstone Gala Day.

Revellers, families and friends are invited along on Saturday, August 20 from 10am until 2pm for a day of activities and entertainment.

There will be over 50 stalls and many events happening throughout the day. Entry is free as are some of the activities on offer.

Stalls on the day will be selling the likes of toys, jewellery and accessories, sweets, candles, crafts charms and bath bombs.

Those looking to keep fuelled with tasty grub can indulge in popcorn, candy floss, crepes, hot dogs, cupcakes, snow cones and pakora.

There will be local groups in attendance such as Johnstone Castle Tenants and Residents Association, Johhnstone Burgh football, air cadets, Johnstone Girl's Brigade, Active Communities and St Vincent's Hospice.

The Gazette team will also have a stall and be dishing out freebies - be sure to come along and say hello.

Event organisers Brewery Street Kids Club and West Johnstone Youth Council shall be consulting the public on the day regarding future events planned for Johnstone community, including Johnstone Community Garden Project and other exciting events.

Free activities from street stuff and the youth clubs will be on throughout the day as well as tombolas, a bouncy castle, face painting and fairground rides.

Guests can dress up as a king or queen and get their photo taken, Fordbank Livery and Equicentre will be on hand with owl magic and the Fireman's Heritage Trust will have engines on display.

Pooches can also get involved in a fun mini dog show at 1pm with prizes going to the likes of waggiest tale, 'Dog's Got Talent and best behaved.

There will also be plenty of entertainment on stage from Street Stuff and Erskine Media studio, presenting plenty of singing and dancing.

Christine Aitken Academy of Dance, Kay Copeland Vision Dance Academy and Splash Studio dancers will also be performing.

The gala shall finish with William Wallace walking down to Ludovic Square at 2pm to join the Wallace march at 2.30pm with The Society of William Wallace.

The gala will coincide with Wallace Day in Elderslie, where there will be plenty of entertainment and cultural events.

The Wallace Parade will move from Johnstone town centre and arrive at the Elderslie Village Hall at around 3.30pm.

Elderslie Community Council are working with the Wallace Society with the likes of Street Stuff performing, a bouncy castle and sports keeping guests entertained.

Youngsters taking part in the parade will also be given vouchers to spend at local businesses while there will also be presentations on the history of William Wallace.

Event co-ordinator Wilz Dean said: "I have been overseeing the running of Johnstone Gala Day for four years however the event is organised by the young people of Johnstone.

"The West Johnstone Youth Club, West Johnstone Youth Council and Brewery Street Kids Club are looking forward to hosting the event this summer.

"Guests can expect four hours of fun including entertainment, stalls, a funfair and even a dog show.

"The event is completely free however all money raised from booking a stall will be going back into supporting the young community of Johnstone.

"The groups will be on hand to speak to the public about future projects they have planned such as the Johnstone Community Garden Project.

"Around 3000 people attended last year and we expect this time will be bigger than ever.

"Come along for a fantastic community event and show your support for the young people of Johnstone."