Countdown to extra special Ilkley Carnival begins!
- Nick
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
The clock is ticking as the countdown begins to Ilkley’s Past, Present and Future-themed carnival on Monday 5 May.
Parents and volunteers are putting finishing touches to costumes and props for the 1,200-strong parade as excitement builds for the event which captures the essence of Bradford district’s 2025 UK City of Culture status.
Primary sponsors First Bus got behind a cluster of parade participants and Ilkley Carnival representative Colin Watson this week, to encourage visitors to get ready, get on board and get their tickets early!
First Bus Communications Manager for West Yorkshire, Richard Harrison, said:
“We are really impressed with how the town is coming together from flags flying on the streets to shop windows adorned with carnival bunting and of course, these fantastic costumes which are either ready for the parade to begin or in the final stages of production!
“It’s been wonderful to meet parents and children who’re looking forward to this annual event and it’s fantastic to see their commitment to bringing their school’s parade themes to life and see just how excited the children are.”
Joining Richard and Colin to announce the countdown were Ben Rhydding Pre-School pupils Tom (3) and Jasper (3), dressed as they want to be when they grow up. Also pictured are Sacred Heart Primary pupils Oliver (9), Marlow (6), Alexis (9) and Caitlin (9) who are in the school’s “Sports for All Sorts” parade entry. From Addingham Primary was Alice (8) dressed as a sparkly firework to represent the school’s millennium theme as it celebrates 25 years as a primary school.
Sacred Heart headteacher Claire Gilhooly said:
“We’re celebrating all things sporting in Ilkley showcasing our rich history of sports while acknowledging the up and coming sporting events we’re fortunate enough to host.
“Over 90 children will represent our school and the excitement is building! Our youngest children are busy painting bicycles and our eldest children are looking forward to representing some of their own sporting clubs.”
Ilkley Carnival 2025 echoes the messages and optimism of Bradford 2025, the district’s year as UK City of Culture. Carnival committee chair Andrew Stacey said:
“This is a very special year for our district and we wanted the Carnival to reflect the cultural themes of Bradford 2025 by reflecting on our important history, our strong community and our visionary future.”
He added:
“One aspect of the future is that community events are subject to increasing costs – since 2016 we’ve seen the Carnival’s running costs go up by 70% not least due to additional infrastructure and safety measures which will continue to increase.
“Ilkley Carnival could not happen without our army of volunteers and the essential financial backing of our sponsors who alongside our primary sponsor First Bus, include Bradford Grammar School, The Ilkley Flooring Company, Ilkley BID and Spellman Care.
“Our town’s support is incredible on carnival day but there’s a misconception that it’s funded or run by Bradford Council or Ilkley Town Council. This is incorrect as neither contribute to the annual costs of the event. My final message before our big day is that our town’s support extends to buying a ticket to join us on the carnival showground and help us raise the funds to help secure the event’s future while supporting local organisations through any profits made.”
Carnival day starts at 11am as the 1,200-strong parade sets off along The Grove, finishing at East Holmes Field on Denton Road. The showground will host the traditional prize giving before the arena clears for the gravity-defying Vander Wheel of Death headline act and the fast paced “Little Nippers” dog agility show. This year also sees the first exhibition of The Fast Lane Club’s executive, classic and prestige car collection including Ferrari’s, Austin Healeys, a Lamborghini and a pre-war Jaguar.
Other entertainment includes Punjabi Roots Academy drummers, Owl Adventures, Ilkley Gym Club, Jose School of Dance, Ilkley Rocks Acoustic Stage, the fun dog show, donkey rides, Punch & Judy, a free craft tent, circus skills area, Ben Rhydding Croquet Club, Marshalls Fun Fair plus food, drink and more than 40 trade and charity stalls.
Andrew added:
“Everyone has now done all they can to ensure this is an extra special day and a unique celebration – all we need now is those all-important ticket sales and for the weather to stay dry!”
Advance tickets for a full day of entertainment are £6 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs. These can be purchased from Tesco Ilkley and Booths, outside Bettys on Saturday 3 May and at the Real Food Market on Sunday 4 May. Tickets at the event gates will be £8 per adult and £2 per child and OAPs.
For more information, visit www.ilkleycarnival.org and for all the news follow @IlkleyCarnival on X/Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
