Ilkley Carnival announces environmental theme

In recognition of the importance of environmental issues our theme on Sunday 3 May will be ‘Our Planet’.

The carnival is traditionally held on May Day, but this year the bank holiday has been moved to Friday 8 May to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE day, because of this, the 2020 carnival will take place on Sunday 3 May.

Since deciding the date change, the Tour de Yorkshire have announced both the men’s race and amateur sportive will come through Ilkley that day, and Real Food Ilkley are due to hold their monthly market on the Grove, which is normally on the parade route. Discussions are underway with Bradford Council and organisers regarding timings and routes to make sure all events can run concurrently and make a brilliant day for all in Ilkley.

The choice of theme was the result of asking the community for ideas for future events.  The Carnival Committee recognised the many groups involved in environmental projects across the district and wanted to raise the profile and bring them together to benefit our community.

Andrew Stacey, Chair of the Ilkley Carnival Committee, said: “For the last three years one of our main sponsors has been Aireborough Skip Hire of Yeadon and so we have been aware of the importance of minimising our impact on the environment.  All of the waste on the Carnival showground is carefully segregated into recyclables and renewables and 80% of it is recycled.  However, we want to do more and share the vision of our Mayor and Town Council in addressing environmental issues within our wonderful town”.

We are already talking to several local companies and organisations and we plan a series of exciting initiatives leading up to the family fun day.  Keep updated with all the latest Ilkley Carnival news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @IlkleyCarnival and on the website ilkleycarnival.org

2019 was another record year which saw over £15,000 given away to local groups, bringing the total raised for the community in five years to £70,000 and in 2020 we are delighted that High Speed Training are our main sponsor once again. We are encouraging local communities to apply for the 2020 beneficiary process where one group or organisation will receive 50% of the profits, read more on our web page here.

Photo: All Saints Primary School pupils Thomas Babb, Stanley Furniss and Nellie Jo Furniss are joined by Ilkley Carnival Chairman Andrew Stacey and John Greenwood in launching the ‘Our Planet’ theme for the 2020 Ilkley Carnival.