COMMUNITY groups in York are being urged to respond to a rallying cry to take part in a massive city centre parade in September.

Organisations are being invited to join a colourful procession which will line the city's streets to celebrate a conference debating the future of York in the next 20 years.

The parade, which will take place on September 24, aims to mark an exciting beginning to the third city conference organised by the Without Walls partnership.

Starting at the Mansion House, the parade will run through city centre streets before finishing at the Barbican Centre where people will be able to see exhibits and stalls showcasing the work of participating organisations. Marchers will carry banners and flags highlighting their hopes and dreams for the future of York.

Without Walls is the name for York's Local Strategic Partnership. The group, which has brought together some of the city's key businesses and organisations, aims to create a vision of York for the next two decades.

Over the last 18 months, the scheme has carried out consultations and has asked for the views of local people as to how they see the city developing economically, culturally and financially in the future.

Their views, and the results of the recent Festival of Ideas, will be discussed at the city conference, from which a "draft" vision of how the city is to move forward will be developed.

Andy Milson, parade organiser and Without Walls member, said: "This procession will be a very visible and fun way to highlight the many hardworking community groups in York.

"We hope that people will want to take part and contribute to the exciting debate about our city's future."

Local organisations and community groups can get involved in the parade and exhibition by contacting the organisers by phone on 01904 673767.

Updated: 08:44 Thursday, August 28, 2003