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Photo: Children from All Saints and Sacred Heart primary schools in their David Attenborough documentary inspired costumes (front), carnival chairman Andrew Stacey and Anytime Fitness sales manager, Zoe Denney (back)
Bumper Bank Holiday crowds expected in town!
Visitors are expected to flock to Ilkley over the Bank Holiday weekend for Ilkley Carnival and Tour de Yorkshire.
Alongside the excitement of the third Tour de Yorkshire, Ilkley Carnival organisers are anticipating the buzz will run into May Day for the TV themed carnival.
Day two of the cycling race is finishing in Ilkley and crowds are expected to reach huge capacities on Friday 4 May, read about plans in Ilkley for the #TdY including road closures and entertainment here.
With Ilkley being so busy, carnival chairman Andrew Stacey hopes crowds will stick around to enjoy Ilkley Carnival on Monday 7 May.
He said: “The Tour de Yorkshire brought bumper crowds last year and we are hoping for even better visitor numbers this year. The committee and I are really looking forward to finishing off the bank holiday weekend with a jam-packed, family fun carnival day for the whole community and our guests.”
With a huge line up of entertainment planned for East Holmes Field carnival showground and more than 1,000 participants in the “TV programme” themed parade, sponsored by Anytime Fitness, The Grove is set to be transformed into a small screen spectacular with Blue Planet ocean creatures, ballroom dancers and even the royals themselves, inspired by the upcoming televised wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Sally Waddington, mother of George (7) and Oivia (6) who are participating in the parade said: “Sacred Heart Primary get involved with the parade every year and my kids love designing their costumes. It’s such a fun event involving the whole community and it’s always a proud moment seeing your children walk down The Grove in front of a huge audience – it’s such a confidence booster for them too!!”
Ilkley Carnival 2018 begins with the parade at 11am along The Grove, down Brook Street and onto the carnival showground where Joseph Peace and his Fire Stunt Spectacular will headline entertainment. There is also a combat assault course, dog show, classic car show with over 50 vintage vehicles and a host of free activities for the whole family including the children’s craft tent.
Andrew added: “Bank holiday weekend is going to be super busy for us with preparation and selling tickets, so if anyone can lend a hand with any aspect of the carnival, please do get in touch. Above all, we’re looking forward to seeing you on Bank Holiday Monday – come rain or shine!”
All funds raised from Ilkley Carnival are donated to local charities and organisations with the Burley Scout and Guide Group chosen as this year’s primary beneficiary, which will receive half of the profits to provide facilities and equipment for the group’s new building
Advance tickets can be bought for a reduced £5 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs (65+) on The Grove on Saturday 5 May or from Ilkley Visitor Information Centre, Tesco Ilkley or The Ticket Office bar. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) can also be purchased in advance for £13. Tickets purchased at the gates on the day will be £6 per adult and £2 per child and OAPs (65+).