Follow us on:
Follow us on:
The 2013 made carnival history with our biggest ever turnout, largest ever parade and longest ever prime time regional TV news coverage reaching over 4.7 million viewers.
As temperatures topped 20C over 900 local children took part in our parade with a further 500 adults from businesses to helpers, all celebrating our “British History” theme in spectacular style!
Ashlands Primary School won “Best in Parade" for its depiction of Ilkley History, Westville House School’s War of the Roses themed parade came runner up, while Spicey Gill Pre-School and Ben Rhydding Scout & Guide Group came first and second respectively in the "Best Charity, Business or Organisation". During the parade, we witnessed the best of British inventions, the Great Fire of London and a showcase of fashion and music through the ages walk the streets of Ilkley.
Galloping Acrobatics, an English Civil War re-enactment, Birds of Prey display and Carnival Capers dominated the carnival field as Stray FM kept the party atmosphere running into the evening. The numbers are still being crunched but we’re expecting a bumper profit this year with 50% of funds raised going to Ilkley and District Good Neighbours who provide help to elderly, disabled and vulnerable people in the area. The remaining 50% will be distributed amongst other local causes.
Chairman Andrew Stacey has expressed his heartfelt thanks on behalf of all of the volunteer Ilkley Carnival committee to everyone who made the event possible, adding "Roll on 2014".
If you’d like to become involved with next year’s carnival as a volunteer, sponsor or with a trade or charity stand, please contact Carnival Secretary, Maria Hunt at carnisec@gmail.com.