Ilkley Carnival’s Children’s Books theme is set to inspire colourful and creative illustrations designed by local young people.
As organisers launch their search for the 2026 programme cover design, sponsors Bradford Grammar School enlisted pupils and Ilkley resident Nura Allen to help announce the annual competition, which is open to children and young people aged 5-16 across the district.
The Ilkley Carnival programme is seen by more than 10,000 visitors to the town during the annual event on Monday 4 May and competition entrants are encouraged to create artwork which is vibrant, reflective of the event’s Children’s Books theme and which is creative and unique.
The creative competition is sponsored by Bradford Grammar School - once home to the world-renowned artist David Hockney – whose art department is providing prizes of an art set and a bespoke arts workshop at the school for the winner and their classmates.
Head of Art Sarah Horsfield said:
"This year’s Ilkley Carnival theme of Children’s Books ties in beautifully with 2026 being the National Year of Reading, something we are incredibly passionate about here at BGS.
“Blending young people’s love of reading with an opportunity to express themselves through art really is a wonderful way to stimulate young minds and really encourage the sort of creativity which is engaging and rewarding.
“We would encourage as many young people as possible to pick up their pencils, crayons, paint brushes and felt tip pens and let their imaginations run wild around this wonderful theme which is sure to bring inspired artistic creations, making the 2026 Ilkley Carnival programme cover one of the best yet!”
The competition falls into three entry categories for children aged 5-8, 9-11 and 12-16, with a closing date of 6 March. All category winners will have their designs framed and the overall winner will see their design on the cover of the Ilkley Carnival 2026 programme and will receive the art-themed prizes from Bradford Grammar School.
Ilkley Carnival’s sponsorship and creative competition lead Colin Watson, who also designs and produces the Ilkley Carnival programmes, is visiting all schools in the area to deliver the competition entry forms. PDF entry forms can also be downloaded from the Ilkley Carnival website here: www.ilkleycarnival.org/creative-competition/
He said:
“The programme is seen every year by around 10,000 visitors and as well as an important guide to the day, it provides a lasting memento of what is always a highly loved and attended event. I’m expecting some of our best entries yet with such a broad and engaging theme as inspiration!”
Ilkley Carnival commences at 11am on Monday 4 May with its spectacular parade which begins on The Grove and ends at East Holmes Field showground which will be home to headline acts, a fun dog show, trade and charity stalls and a host of free children’s activities from the craft tent to Punch and Judy.
All carnival creative entries must be received by Friday 6 March. For independent entries, please deliver or post to Pinnacle Graphic Design, 32-34 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9EE in an envelope clearly marked ‘Ilkley Carnival Creative Competition’. School entries will be collected from the school by a carnival representative. Please ensure your name, age, entry category, address and contact number or email is clearly written on the back of each entry.
For more information, visit the carnival’s website on www.ilkleycarnival.org and for more information on Bradford Grammar click here www.bradfordgrammar.com
To keep updated with all the news follow @IlkleyCarnival on Facebook, Instagram and X [formally known as Twitter].
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