The clock is ticking as the countdown begins to Ilkley’s Children’s Book-themed carnival on Monday 4 May.
Parents and volunteers are finalising costumes and props for the 1,200-strong parade as excitement builds for the Bank Holiday Monday event.
This week, parade participants from Ghyll Royd, Ben Rhydding Primary and All Saints Primary joined Ilkley Carnival representatives Colin Watson and Mary Moore, to show off their costumes and encourage visitors to come and join the fun on 4 May.
Victoria Kemp, mum of Ethan (5) whose school All Saints Primary is entering The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in the parade, said:
“After years of watching and attending Ilkley Carnival, this is the first year we’ve actually been a part of it! It’s so much more than a one-day event – parents are holding crafting evenings and the children are preparing costumes at school and learning so many new skills in the classroom and at home.
“Ilkley Carnival brings such a community-focussed day and we love that it’s still a traditional walking parade without huge floats taking over. Everyone’s efforts make it so magical and we can’t wait to see it all come together on Monday!”
The Children’s Books theme has inspired creative parade entries including The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Hungry Caterpillar and Where’s Wally. Meanwhile, the theme is showcased on the cover of the carnival programme with the creative artwork of Burley Oaks pupil Sasha Wilkinson (11) who has blended children’s book characters with Ilkley’s iconic Cow and Calf rocks and a parade of characters processing along The Grove.
The carnival parade starts at 11am along The Grove, finishing at East Holmes Field on Denton Road. The showground will feature entertainment including main acts, The BMX Show, with riders performing tricks and stunts through the air, and The Mini Pony Show, with plenty of audience participation.
Visitors will also be entertained by Owl Adventures, Ilkley Gym Club, the Ilkley Rocks Acoustic Stage, the fun dog show, search dog demonstration, free craft tent, circus skills area, Ben Rhydding Croquet Club, Marshalls Fun Fair plus food, drink and more than 40 trade and charity stalls.
Since 2012 Ilkley Carnival has raised and distributed just under £170k from its profits to local good causes. This year, in a break from the usual primary beneficiary format, the committee has pledged to offer more financial support to those groups which support on carnival weekend.
Chair Ilkley Carnival Andrew Stacey, said:
“Ilkley Carnival could not happen without our volunteers and the essential backing of sponsors Bradford Grammar School, Ilkley Carpet Company, Ilkley BID, Real Markets and local businesses who support through advertising.
“Since 2016 we’ve seen running costs increase by more than 70%. That’s why we need visitors to watch the parade and then follow it down to our entertainment-filled showground where ticket sales help us meet these critical costs which ensure we keep the carnival going and support local organisations at the same time.”
He added:
“Everyone has worked tirelessly for months to ensure this is an extra special day – all we need now is support through ticket sales and for the weather to stay dry!”
Your Ilkley will be hosting the main 'Discover Ilkley' arena again this year and keep an eye on our socials to follow the parade - we'll have a live stream from 11am!
Advance tickets for a full day of entertainment are £6 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs. These can be purchased from Tesco Ilkley and Booths, outside Bettys on Saturday 2 May and at the Real Food Market on Sunday 3 May. Tickets at the event gates will be £8 per adult and £2 per child and OAPs.
For more information, visit www.ilkleycarnival.org and for all the news follow @IlkleyCarnival on Instagram and Facebook.
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