Ilkley Carnival 2026 - a real celebration of community spirit

The BMX Show wowed crowds with their skill and tricks

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.

1st Ben Rhydding Cubs - Thomas The Tank

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.

'Best In Parade' Burley Oaks [Photos; Your Ilkley]

Lucy Ashton, Music Coordinator at Burley Oaks Primary School, said:

“Our Year 4 pupils have been learning to play the instruments and rhythms that make up our samba performance. We then spent additional time practising how to play while walking, carrying instruments and turning corners, all while keeping in time. We’re incredibly proud of all our children for bringing such a joyful carnival atmosphere to the parade, and we’re delighted that their hard work and skill were recognised!”

Burley Oaks with Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mohammed Shafiq

Head teacher Emma Learmonth added:

“Taking part in Ilkley Carnival gives our children the opportunity to shine at the heart of the community, creating real awe, wonder and joy. Alongside a ‘Mega Make Day’, pupils helped design and decorate our large birds, developing creativity, confidence and teamwork. These inclusive experiences reflect our commitment to ensuring every child feels a sense of true belonging. We could not be prouder of them and we are grateful to the parents who helped them swoop, glide and boogie through the streets of Ilkley.”

Sacred Heart - Harry Potter

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.

Ben Atkinson's Action Horse

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.

Carnival committee chair Andrew Stacey said that Monday was one of the best ever Ilkley Carnivals:

“The crowds were incredible, the parade efforts were exceptional and we had bumper numbers joining us on the showground. The atmosphere was electric and people stayed to enjoy the sunshine and the entertainment late into the afternoon.

“We had fabulous entertainment from our birds of prey display and Ilkley Gym Club who were fantastic once again. An extra shout out too, to our main acts, the BMX Stunt Show team and Ben Atkinson and his Action Horses. Ben agreed to join us with less than a day’s notice after our original act, The Mini Pony Show, cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Both Ben and the BMX team worked brilliantly together to ensure the crowds had an afternoon of truly exceptional shows.”

Outside The Box

Mayor of Ilkley, Cllr Jane Gibson said it was an honour to attend and see the town come together, adding:

“The parade costumes were amazing. Such talented staff, volunteers and children created true masterpieces! There was a huge representation from schools from throughout the area, plus additional groups determined to be part of the fun. The carnival field looked superb, the stalls were varied and the show events, from bareback horse-riding to birds of prey were exciting. Congratulations to all volunteers and the committee for another hugely successful event.”

Robbie Moore and fellow VIPs on the open top bus [Photo: Robbie Moore]

MP Robbie Moore, who was a 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."

Your Ilkley live streamed the parade, which was also across both the Ilkley Carnival and Ilkley Chat Facebook pages, if you want to watch again, tap below:

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