ILKLEY Carnival organisers are hoping the excitement of the Tour de Yorkshire will boost numbers and takings at the town’s biggest fundraising event on Bank Holiday Monday.

Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey said bumper crowds were expected for the Stage 3 Tour de Yorkshire, which runs through Ilkley on Sunday, and will help the carnival to exceed its £10,000 fundraising target the following day.

With a line-up of entertainment on the East Holmes Field carnival showground and more than 1,000 people involved in the ‘At the Movies’ themed parade, The Grove is set to be transformed into a red carpet of Hollywood A-listers as local schools and groups dress up as villains and heroes, 101 dalmatians, trolls and even the cast of The Wizard of Oz.

Ilkley Carnival 2017 begins with the parade at the earlier start time of 11am along The Grove, Brook Street, and onto the carnival showground where the Vander Brothers will headline entertainment alongside the carnival’s Fun Dog Show, the classic car show, the West Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a falconry display, the historic Black Hats v White Hats cricket match and a host of free entertainment including the children’s craft tent.

Mr Stacey said: “We’ve moved the parade forward 30 minutes this year to ensure that families are able to make the absolute most of their ticket onto the East Holmes Field and enjoy all the entertainment that there is to offer. The Vander Wheel of Death is one that you won’t want to miss!

“It’s going to be a busy weekend of preparation and selling tickets, if anyone can lend their time with any aspect, please do get in touch.

“Above all, please show your support and join us on the carnival showground this Bank Holiday Monday – whatever the weather.”

Ilkley Carnival is sponsored this year by Tesco Ilkley which is transforming the carnival programme artwork of Ava Jones, aged nine, into 5,000 bags for life.

Junior Ilkley Harriers have been chosen as the primary beneficiary. The Harriers will receive 50 per cent of the profits to build a Compact Athletics Training Facility and meet the growing demands of their 340 junior members.

Advance tickets for a full day of entertainment are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs (65 plus) from Nora’s Interiors & Gifts, Ilkley, Shoe Bee Doo, The Little Tea House, Ilkley Tourist Information Centre and Tesco Ilkley.

A family ticket (two adults and two children) can also be bought in advance for £13. Tickets on the gates will be priced at £6 per adult and £2 per child and OAPs.