Competition winner colours Ilkley Carnival in a rainbow!

L-R Carnival committee chairman Andrew Stacey, Ghyll Royd School head teacher David Martin, Bradford Grammar School head teacher Simon Hinchliffe, Ghyll Royd arts teacher Keeley Smith and competition winner Evie Connor.

A rainbow-patterned television watched from a vibrant green sofa is the winner of this year's Ilkley Carnival creative competition!

The eye-catching image based on the theme ‘TV programmes’ is the creation of 10-year-old Ghyll Royd School pupil Evie Connor, whose artwork will adorn the cover of the carnival’s programme and be seen by around 10,000 visitors at the event on Monday 7 May.

Receiving her framed artwork, a goody bag from Bettys Café Tea Rooms and an art set donated by competition sponsors, Bradford Grammar School, Evie has also won a bespoke arts workshop for herself and her classmates at Bradford Grammar School – once the home of internationally renowned artist David Hockney.

Ilkley Carnival's chairman Andrew Stacey, who heads the committee of judges, said this year's entries were the most colourful ever.

"There were many stand out pictures but Evie's rainbow TV set and vision of happy viewing caught the eye of all our judges. We have a strong second place from fellow Ghyll Royd pupil Juliet Freegard for her garden of acrobatic television sets and highly commended goes to Alexander Marsden from Westville House School who showed a very creative use of the letters ‘TV’."

Simon Hinchliffe, head teacher of Bradford Grammar School, said the school’s art team is looking forward to welcoming Evie and her classmates into the school this summer. He added: “There is clearly a lot of artistic talent in Ilkley and we’ve planned an afternoon of arts and crafts to really inspire, excite and encourage the children to further explore their talents!”

Ghyll Royd art teacher Keeley Smith who co-ordinated the entries added: “We’re incredibly proud of Evie who put a lot of hard work into her entry and is absolutely delighted to win! Evie came runner up in last year’s competition, so she’s shown great improvement to go on to win with her latest design. We’re thrilled to be spending an afternoon with Bradford Grammar School’s arts team – I’m sure it’ll be a memorable experience for us all.”

Ilkley Carnival starts on The Grove with a 1,000 strong parade, sponsored by Anytime Fitness and entered by schools, local groups and organisations. Finishing at the East Holmes Field parade ground on Denton Road, an afternoon of family entertainment is provided including the annual dog show, classic car show and the soon-to-be-revealed headline act.

All profits raised from Ilkley Carnival go back into the local community with primary beneficiary The Burley Joint Scout & Guide Group receiving half of this year’s profits. If you’d like to show your support by sponsoring the carnival or volunteering your time, please contact Andrew Stacey on 07951 890836

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