CHEERING crowds lined the streets of Ilkley for the second time in two days today for the annual carnival, the day after the Tour de Yorkshire cycled through.

There were record entries with 1,400 colourful characters parading in the sunshine for the fiesta that attracted around 10,000 onlookers.

Among the VIP judges of the floats and tableaux was the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mike Gibbons.

“I’ve been coming to the carnival for about 25 years and every year it gets better,” he said.

“The crowds are incredible, which shows what it means to local people, and Ilkley has put on a magnificent show.

“To have this support from people is greatly appreciated.”

This year’s theme was fantasy and fiction with Alice in Wonderland the most popular choice with Mad Hatters and living playing cards processing led by the City of Leeds Pipe Band.

Alice proved a triumph for this year’s overall winner, the WTA Dance Academy.

Highly commended in the Schools category were Ben Rhydding Primary School for Peter Pan and All Saints’ Primary School for Willy Wonka.

In the Charity, Business and Organisation category All Saints’ Pre-School was highly commended for Aliens and Ben Rhydding Pre-School for the Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson’s books.

More than 1,000 children and 400 adults made a huge effort with costumes and creativity.

Highlights included an elaborate pirate ship swarming with one-eyed sailors brandishing cutlasses followed by Peter Pan’s crocodile and a real dog playing Nana. The Harry Potter tableau was wizard and the superheroes were ready to save the day.

At the carnival field the event staged its first dog show, youngsters enjoyed the fun fair and there was an afternoon of bands and arena events with Mark Stannage Stunt Team kicking off the afternoon before the football matches, zumba and Ryan Stocks falconry display. Little ones watched Punch and Judy up to their old tricks.

The prize for the Window Display Competition was won by Nora’s Interiors and Gifts for its Alice in Wonderland theme. Owner Victoria Newhouse will receive ten hours of free PR from Approach PR.

Approach’s managing director Suzanne Watson, who is on the carnival committee, said: “Every year we are seeing more entrants which shows how much the carnival means to our retailers.

“The whole event is growing and now has a bright future. Four years ago it was announced in the programme that it might be the last one. And the committee didn’t break even.

“Last year we made £15,000 profit for good causes and this year we expect to make more. Our ultimate goal is to make a difference in the community.”

Half the proceeds go to a named beneficiary and this year for the first time this will go to four schools. The other half is shared between local organisations that volunteer to help the carnival.

Ms Watson added: “We still need more volunteers to support us. Without them and the sponsors there wouldn’t be a carnival.”