Ilkley Carnival returned in lively fashion this May Day weekend, drawing thousands to the streets of town and East Holmes Field for a celebration of community spirit.
The highlight was the 1,200-strong 'Children’s Books' themed parade, followed by a full afternoon of entertainment. The weekend also included special fair access that added a personal and inclusive dimension to the town’s biggest community event.
Bright weather welcomed parade entrants from schools and local organisations across Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale. Creative parade entries included Westville House’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Outside The Box’s My Favourite Childhood Book, Ashlands Primary’s The Storyteller and Upstagers’ preview of The Addams Family. Parade VIPs judged entries from an open-top bus and praised the imagination and effort on display. The 'Matt King Best In Parade' trophy was awarded to Burley Oaks Primary School for their standout entry.
[View Your Ilkley's 'Ilkley Carnival 2026' photo gallery HERE]
The Carnival partnered with RideZone Plus to add two particularly memorable elements to this year’s Carnival weekend. In a touching community moment, newlyweds Faye and Adam Chandler, who were marrying at All Saints Church on Saturday, contacted Carnival Chair Andrew Stacey asking if the fair would be open so they could celebrate with guests in a different way. RideZone Plus welcomed the couple and their friends with free rides as a wedding present, and the Carnival committee invited them as VIP parade judges, but the couple were heading off on honeymoon. In another planned, quieter session, RideZone Plus opened the fair exclusively for Airedale & Wharfedale Autism Resource and LS29 Special Needs Support Group, allowing children with autism and their families to enjoy rides in a calmer environment.
[Newlyweds Faye and Adam Chandler at the fun fair]
Monday on East Holmes Field crowds enjoyed Discover Ilkley Arena entertainment from Ben Atkinson's Action Horses, The BMX Show, a Search Dog Display, Birds of Prey and Ilkley Gym Club. Visitors also enjoys local performers on the Ilkley Rocks & Acoustic Stages, the Fun Dog Show, free craft tent, punch & judy and circus skills area, Ben Rhydding Croquet Club, fun fair, plus, food, drink and more than 40 trade and charity stalls.
Since 2012, Ilkley Carnival has raised over £170,000 for local good causes. The final figure raised from the weekend will be known in a few weeks, and rather than have a primary beneficiary this year, the committee decided earlier in 2026 that 100% - usually 50% - of the profits this year is being shared between the amazing volunteers from local charities, organisations and schools who have helped across the weekend.
Andrew Stacey, chair of Ilkley Carnival, said:
"The parade was absolutely outstanding, thanks to all those involved, the quality gets better every year.
“RideZone Plus creating a private session for families who need it and making a newlyweds day memorable is what it's all about - the carnival is all about bringing everyone together.
"Finally a mention for the 300 volunteers assisting us with what is now a three-day set-up and take down plus duties on the day, without this community involvement there would be no Ilkley Carnival."
MP Robbie Moore, pictured above with his fellow VIP on Monday, said:
"A huge thank you to everyone involved – the time, effort and craftsmanship behind the costumes is extraordinary. It’s the highlight of the day, and for many, the highlight of the year.
"Thank you all so to the fantastic volunteers and to Andrew Stacey and his hardworking committee to which we are all hugely grateful. You made everyone in the town feel extra special.
"The event couldn’t operate without all the sponsorship and support - so thank you also to those brilliant Ilkley based businesses who kindly sponsored the event - as the day wouldn’t be able to take place without you."
Planning is already under way for next year’s Carnival, with organisers inviting anyone who would like to become part of the small committed committee to email Andrew at chair@ilkleycarival.org
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