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All aboard! First Bus announced as Ilkley Carnival main sponsor!

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 10:38

Next stop Ilkley Carnival! Announcing First Bus as Ilkley Carnival’s 2025 main sponsor are First Bus Communications Manager Richard Harrison (R) and Ilkley Carnival volunteer Colin Watson (L)

First Bus is this year’s Ilkley Carnival main sponsor, the first time the bus operator has partnered with the event.

First Bus, one of the UK’s largest operators and the biggest in West Yorkshire, believes Ilkley Carnival’s ability to galvanise all corners of the local neighbourhood and the wider district, reflects its own values of community collaboration, making it an ideal local event to support in 2025.

As the Official Travel Partner for the year-long Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, First Bus was also inspired by Ilkley Carnival’s cultural theme this year, “Ilkley: Past, Present and Future”, selected to dovetail the event into the City of Culture celebrations.

First Bus Marketing Manager for West Yorkshire, Lucy Mottram, said:

“Ilkley has been the focal point of our routes linking Wharfe Valley towns for many years. And while it is the first and last stop on our X84 service to and from Leeds, Ilkley is so much more than a destination – it’s a town with a rich historic past, a strong community spirit and an altruistic, forward-thinking nature which means events like the carnival mean so much more because they are run by the community for the community.”

Lucy added:

“It is fitting that we are Ilkley Carnival’s main sponsor in the year that our drivers are acting as ambassadors for Bradford 2025 and our teams and buses are welcoming visitors into the district, while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable travel.

“We understand the true value of community and of sustainability whether that is through travel or through community cohesion and are delighted to be supporting Ilkley Carnival in this milestone year.”

Held on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May, the carnival’s “Ilkley: Past, Present and Future” theme is expected to draw more than 1,000 school children, alongside local organisations and groups, into the most creative town centre parade yet. However, escalating costs and new legislation continue to impact on the carnival’s running costs and potentially, on the future of the event.

Ilkley Carnival chair Andrew Stacey explained:

“We are really thankful to First Bus for becoming our main sponsor in 2025 because volunteer-run community events are becoming harder to sustain with costs at around 30% higher than in previous years. First Bus – and all of our sponsors – are critical in helping us deliver yet another Ilkley Carnival. Events like ours are vital for raising valuable local funds and maintaining a spirit of unity, co-operation and positivity.”

Since 2012 Ilkley Carnival has raised and distributed just under £150k from its profits to local charities and good causes. This year’s primary beneficiary is Ben Rhydding Sports Club and income donated by the carnival will help to fund the club’s vital flood prevention works. 

Marking the start of Ilkley’s “events season” on Monday 5 May 2025, Ilkley Carnival will draw on the town’s contribution to culture, history, its strong community and its hopes and dreams for the future as it amplifies Bradford district’s 2025 City of Culture status.

The parade starts at 11am on The Grove, finishing at the East Holmes Field showground where visitors can enjoy live entertainment from jaw dropping acrobatics to local bands, a fun dog show, food and drink, trade and charity stalls and a host of free children’s activities.

Tickets cost £8 for adults on the day or £6 in advance. Children and OAPs are £2.

For more information, visit www.ilkleycarnival.org and to keep updated follow @IlkleyCarnival on X (formally Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

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