Ilkley Carnival wowed thousands once again as its spectacular parade and performance-filled showground provided a day of entertainment on Bank Holiday Monday. Schools, organisations and musicians created a celebratory atmosphere as costumes, music and dance brought its Children’s Book theme to life in the streets. Carnival committee chair Andrew Stacey said that Monday was one […]
Author Archives: Nick
05
May
May
‘Children’s Books’ was our 2026 theme, and parade entries didn’t disappoint! Here’s our gallery from a fantastic Ilkley Carnival 2026! Photos are courtesy of Jane Horton, Jen & Tim Gilpin, Collin Williams and Stuart Clarkson [Your Ilkley]. If you have any to add please email them website@ilkleycarnival.org
29
Apr
Apr
What’s on at Ilkley Carnival 2026! PLEASE NOTE: Due to an incident to route to the carnival The Mini Pony Show can’t perform – instead Ben Atkinson has agreed to entertain us all with his arena show 🏇🏿The Action Horses🐎. The Discover Ilkley Arena and a specially created Ring Arena will host performances from both […]
29
Apr
Apr
Our 2026 Ilkley Carnival programme is packed full of information – including running orders and a handy showfield map! Downloaded HERE. A limited number of printed programmes will be available on the entry gates on bank holiday Monday. The front cover was designed by Sasha Wilkinson from Burley Oaks Primary, overall winner of our Carnival […]
25
Apr
Apr
Frequently Asked Questions – On The Day – Where is the Carnival held? East Holmes Field, next to the River Wharfe and close to Ilkley Rugby Club and Ilkley Pool and Lido. Use the postcode: LS29 0BZ Our fantastic parade leave Grove Road (11am) heading along The Grove and down to the Carnival field. What […]
23
Apr
Apr
This year we have TWO headline acts performing, along with the usual family friendly variety of entertainment across the show field. The Discover Ilkley Arena and a specially created Ring Arena will host performances from both the impressive BMX Show and amazing Mini Pony Show, along with regulars Ilkley Gym Club and the Owl Adventures Flying […]
22
Apr
Apr
All the fun of the fair at Ilkley Carnival 2026 The RideZone Plus Funfair will be back in Ilkley for the May Day bank holiday weekend, including within the ticketed Carnival showground on Monday. The RideZone funfair in Ilkley is a ‘pay per ride’ fun fair – a limited number of 50p off vouchers for […]
21
Apr
Apr
WOW! Our Carnival Creative competition received its highest ever number of entries from local schools across Wharfedale. Four young people have been announced as our competition winners after creating artwork which reflects Ilkley Carnival’s 2026 Children’s Books theme! Burley Woodhead pupil Flora Steel (6), Saskia White (15) from Ilkley, Lily Cherrill (13) from Bradford Grammar […]
13
Apr
Apr
Ilkley Carnival committee has announced that this year’s profits will be donated to groups who volunteer to support the running of the event. In a break from the usual primary beneficiary format where 50% of profits are donated to one local charity or organisation, the committee has pledged to offer more financial support to those […]
11
Feb
Feb
Could YOUR artwork make the cover of the Ilkley Carnival programme?