HUNDREDS of students are expected to parade through York city centre as part of their annual RAG parade.

University of York students will take part in an action packed week from February 2 to 9, including a firewalk and a Man Versus Food pizza eating challenge. Up to 120 students could also take part in a bungee jump for over the university lake, health and safety permitting.

Among the events to be held in the city centre will be busking, a fundraising “raid” and a farm-themed fancy dress parade with music from Parliament Street on February 9.

The events are being held to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust, YUSU Volunteering, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Water Aid, MSF (Doctors Without Borders) and IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services).

Spokesman Morwenna Egan said: “The fundraising is for local and national charities.

“All the charities are really deserving and it gets all the colleges involved.

“The parade is meant to be an absolutely amazing day to go on. It’s good for raising money and everyone having a great time.”

A variety of costumes are expected for the farm and animal themed parade, including scarecrows, farmers, pigs and cows. Other events include a 5km run around campus on February 3, a barn dance with a celidh band and a competition to find “Mr and Mrs York”.

Last year the week raised more than £10,000 for local and national charities with students taking part in a range of activities starting with a 200-strong balloon launch from campus, with a prize for the owner of the balloon to travel farthest.

The leader reached Plumaugat, a small village in northern France.