This year’s Ilkley Carnival showground will host a mix of entertainment including classic supercars and the Vander Wheel of Death Show!
Alongside the gravity-defying Vander Wheel of Death headline act, organisers are welcoming The Fast Lane Club - home of Yorkshire’s executive, classic and prestige car collection onto the carnival showground. Visitors will see a range of vehicles including a pre-war Jaguar, a Lamborghini an Aston Martin, rare Austin Healeys and multiple Ferraris all for the usual ticket price.

Crowds will also be entertained with the Ridgeside Little Nippers Racing Dog Agility Show where “mayhem“ will be unleashed in the Discover Ilkley Arena as the team’s dogs race over obstacles in an action-packed demonstration with the chance for spectators’ dogs to join in the fun!
Ilkley Carnival’s 2025 theme is Ilkley: Past, Present and Future and amplifies Bradford district’s 2025 City of Culture status. A parade of around 1,200 people will process through the town from 11am and chair Andrew Stacey said the fun will continue on the East Holmes Field showground with planned events set to entertain like never before.
He said:
“We are delighted to bring new and established entertainment that will appeal to all age groups and interests from the incredible super car collection to the antics of the Little Nippers Racing. The Vander Wheel of Death is an adrenaline fuelled stunt show with artistes performing death defying feats on a spinning wheel – sometimes blindfolded!”
He added:
“Ilkley Carnival’s showground will certainly provide an afternoon of jaw dropping performances, laughs and lots of fun.”
Other entertainment on the carnival showground includes Punjabi Roots Academy drummers, Owl Adventures, Ilkley Gym Club, Jose School of Dance, Ilkley Rocks Acoustic Stage, the fun dog show, donkey rides, Punch & Judy, a free craft tent, circus skills area, Ben Rhydding Croquet Club, Marshalls Fun Fair plus food, drink and more than 40 trade and charity stalls.

Fast Lane Club Director Simon Smith said:
“Ilkley Carnival’s theme of “past, present and future” perfectly sums up the selection of motor cars we will be bringing along on the day. We have wonderful classics from the past, modern day supercars and future-focussed hypercars.
“Being Yorkshire-based, we are delighted to be supporting the event with our display of rare motorcars. This is an incredible opportunity for Ilkley Carnival visitors to see some of our most exclusive models before we host the Yorkshire Elegance prestigious motorcar event at Grantley Hall in July.”
Ilkley Carnival is on Monday 5 May and this year’s theme of Ilkley: Past, Present and Future draws 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.
Advance tickets for a full day of entertainment are priced at £6 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs from Tesco Ilkley and Booths. Tickets on the day will be priced at £8 per adult and £2 per child and OAPs. Under 3s are free.
For more information, visit the carnival’s website on www.ilkleycarnival.org and to keep updated with all the news follow @IlkleyCarnival on X/Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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