Hundreds of students are expected to take part in the colourful event, which will involve costumed performers, music and a multitude of vehicles – from lorries and army vehicles, to mini coopers, rickshaws and even an ice cream van.

The Lord Mayor of Bristol will get proceedings underway at 1pm on the Downs before the procession makes its way down Whiteladies Road, Queens Road and Park Street.

The celebrations will then continue at the Bristol Folk House on Park Street from 2pm onwards with food, drink and entertainment.

The annual event is now in its 88th year and is one of the oldest traditions of RAG Week in Bristol.

Lydia Dower, Community Events Coordinator for the RAG committee, said: “Organising the RAG Procession has been hard work, but so much fun. It’s exciting to be part of such a big community event, as I think it is rare these days for students and the community to mix. I hope it inspires people who come along to get involved with something new, as Bristol has so much to offer.”

Other events due to take place throughout the week include a cake and jumble sale, an overnight five-a-side football tournament, a massage-a-thon, pub quiz, fitness class and a Science vs. Arts bike race to Paris, where students from each faculty will take turns on stationary bikes to reach the target of cycling over 400 miles.

Money raised during the week will be donated to the Quartet Community Foundation, a local grant giving organisation which allows charities to apply for grants to fund local projects. Last year, money raised through RAG was donated to 15 local charities to support community projects.

Bristol is proud to have one of the biggest and most successful RAG organisations in the country and over £1 million has now been raised, including £134,000 last year alone.

Details of all events can be found at www.ubu.org.uk/rag