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 time does Ilkley Carnival start and finish?

The Carnival field opens to the public at 11am with the parade arriving around 11.45am and activities usually starts to wind down from 4.30pm.

What is the ticket price and can I purchase tickets before the day?

The Tickets page of this website has the information.

What do I get for my entry ticket?

A day full of entertainment on the Carnival field, much of it included in the entry cost. The Discover Ilkley area will have performances from Defying Gravity, Ilkley Gym Club, ND Dance, Birds of Prey and more.  We’ll have a line up of local bands and performers on the Ilkley Rocks stage.  Plus there are many activities around the field including the free ‘kids corner’ with Craft Tent, magic and Punch and Judy.

Do I need a Carnival ticket just to go to the funfair?

Yes the funfair is within the ticketed Carnival show field on the day.  The funfair is open across the weekend before Carnival day.

Are you dog friendly?

Yes, we welcome friendly dogs, kept on a lead at all times please.

Is the Carnival field accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

There is level access from the Denton Road entrance and the field is flat.  However wet weather could make conditions difficult for a wheelchair.

Can I leave the Carnival field and come back in?

Yes please speak to helpers on the gate.

Are there toilets?

Yes there are toilet facilities on the Carnival field, and also public toilets nearby at Ilkley Pool and Lido and by the Riverside Hotel.

Are baby changing facilities available?

Yes, this is also available at the public toilets by the Riverside Hotel.

Are there disabled toilets?

Yes there are.

What about disabled parking?

Limited disabled parking is available at Ilkley Rugby Club, next to the Carnival show field.

Where can we park?

There is no parking on the Carnival field.  Limited street parking is available along Denton Road. There is car parking (both street and car parks) in Ilkley, we advise parking in town and walking down to the Carnival field. Details of car parks in Ilkley are available on the Bradford Council website here.  Street parking is free on bank holidays.

Ilkley is also at the end of the Wharfedale train line which offers regular services to both Leeds and Bradford Forster Square.

What are the running orders for the Main Arena and Ilkley Rocks?

Please see the What’s On section of this website.

Can I download a Carnival programme?

Yes it is downloadable as a PDF here.

What road closures are there?

There are road closures for the parade and Denton Road close to the Carnival field, further information is available here.  The advice to all motorists and cyclists not attending the Carnival is to avoid the area of the parade route, particularly between 10.30am and 12 noon.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onto the Carnival field?

Yes, apart from alcohol.  Any alcohol purchased from bars on the Carnival field must be consumed before leaving the field.

How would we know if the Carnival is cancelled?

Any important messages would be posted on our social media channels and website. It is highly unlikely that the Carnival will be cancelled – whatever the weather.

What if I need help on the day?

Carnival committee members and helpers (look for the t-shirts) will be able to answer your questions or direct you to control (behind the main arena stage).  First Aid is available on site close to the main vehicle entrance.

What happens to lost property?

During the Carnival anything handed in would be kept at Control.  At the end of the event and once all equipment is returned to base, any items would be posted on our Facebook page.

– Parade – 

Can I enter the parade?

Yes, further details are available here.

What time does the parade set off?

The parade leaves Grove Road at 11am.

What is the route?

From Grove Road, along The Grove, Brook Street, crossing over Leeds Road, down New Brook Street, before turning right onto Denton Road and into East Holmes Field (Carnival Showground)

I’m in the parade, what time do we assemble on Grove Road?

Details should have been provided to your group contact. Grove Road is closed by 10am.

Who judges the parade and decides the Best In Parade?

The VIPs on the open top bus all score each entry the parade passes, those scores are combined to give each entry a final score and decide the Best In Parade.

– Dog Show –

What time does registration open?

Registrations opens at 11am.

What time is the show?

The show start time is 1pm.

How much is it to enter my dog?

£2 entry per class

What classes are there?

Please visit our Dog Show page here.

– Trade & Charity Stalls holders –

How can we apply to have a trade or charity pitch at the Carnival?

Please take a look here for further information.

What time are we allowed a vehicle on the Carnival field to set up?

Access is available from 8am.

What time do vehicles need to be off the field?

We ask for all vehicles to be removed from the field by 11am, parking is provided for 1 vehicle at the Rugby Club next to the Carnival field.

What time are we allow our vehicles back onto the field at the end of the event?

Once it is safe, our H&S officer will make this decision on the day.

What it the latest clearance time?

The field must be cleared and empty of all items by 6.30pm at the latest

– Sponsorship / Advertising / VIPs –

How can my business show its support to Ilkley Carnival?

We have a range of sponsorship, associate sponsor and advertising options available for local businesses to support Ilkley Carnival, and in turn the local community.  Take a look here for further information.

How can we get access to the VIP tent on carnival day?

Each of our sponsorship/advertising packages included entry tickets and access to the VIP tent, with complimentary refreshments.  To be an associate sponsor is just £95 – take a look here for further information.

– General –

Where does the money go?

Each year 50% of the Carnival profits go to our main beneficiary, with the other 50% split between the groups/organisations that provide helpers before and on the day.

How do we apply to be a beneficiary?

Applications to be our main beneficiary will open towards the end of year for Ilkley Carnival 2025.  Once open information will be on our website and socials.

I would like to help at the carnival, how do I get involved?

As well as our committee, it takes hundreds of volunteers to help stage Ilkley Carnival each year and all helpers have their hours logged against the group they are volunteering for. This allows us to pro-rata hours worked, and distribute 50% of our profits to the groups who help us.  For further information or to volunteer yourself or a group to help please look here.

How can I perform at the Carnival?

Every year we have a great line-up of entertainment across our main area, the Ilkley Rocks stage and around the field.  If you would like to offer your services please email chair@ilkleycarnival.org

Can I join the Ilkley Carnival committee?

YES!  The committee meets regularly throughout the year, more often in the main planning months January to April and would welcome new members. You would be welcome to come to a meeting and meet the committee and see where you could help. Please email the Chairman Andrew chair@ilkleycarnival.org.

If you have any other questions prior to the day please email website@ilkleycarnival.org