HUNDREDS of people are expected to line the streets today as part of Wirral’s fourth festival of firsts.

Milkmen from Mortons Dairies will be rolling up their sleeves and leading the support for the annual parade from West Kirby to Meols.

Entertainment will take place along the route throughout the afternoon.

The parade sets off from Coronation Gardens in West Kirby at noon before making its way to St John’s Church in Meols.

There will be a singing cafe, decorated bikes, an open top bus with Off Pitch Choir, Giant Queen, The Three Queens, Air and Sea Cadets, Mockbeggar Dancers, Anamal Dacners, Wirral Pipe Band and Wirral Samba to name just a few.

A festival day designed especially for children will take place at St John’s Church in Meols from 11am until 3pm, boasting music, circus entertainers, Punch and Judy, stalls and refreshments.

The parade that is set to raise awareness and funds for a local charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice.

It attracts people from all over the North West, raising money, celebrating local talent and providing family fun.

Julian Harrison, managing director of Mortons Dairies - which has a depot on Saughall Massie Road - said: “The Hoylake parade is a great community event that we have been involved with for the past few years.

"It’s a fantastic festival that really brings people in the local area together and will hopefully raise lots of money for a great charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice.”

The Festival of Firsts was founded in 2011 by Hoylake-based actor and writer John Gorman.

It brings together hundreds of artists, performers and musicians to celebrate the power and diversity of the Wirral art and music scene – while also raising money for local charities

Its aim is to deliver an innovative, community based arts festival to encourage participation, the showcasing of local talent as well as the opportunity for the community to access and enjoy some examples of the best art, music and poetry in the country.

The programme of events will include the likes of Poetry Proms, story telling, Art on the Prom, live music including a jazz parade and film showings.