Thousands lined the streets as Ilkley Carnival took place in the glorious sunshine with dancing horses and birds of prey.

High temperatures and sunny weather brought in many daytrippers from Wharfedale and further afield to watch the parade make its way from the town centre to the main carnival showground on East Holmes Field, by the River Wharfe, yesterday.

The parade set off from The Grove at 11.30am and passed down Brook Street, lined with crowds in both sides, to Denton Road and the carnival field.

The theme chosen by popular vote for the parade this year was British history. Schools, pre-schools, youth groups and others in the parade used their imagination to come up with colourful walking displays and floats.

The Great Fire of London and British inventions were depicted by children from local schools.

VIPs including the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith and his wife, Margaret, and the chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, Councillor Heathcliffe Bowen, took part in the parade on an open top double-decker bus.

Coun Smith said: “It went very well and the crowds turned out in the sunshine. It was quite remarkable and I think there seemed to be about 10,000 people there and the crowds were 10ft deep.

“People were really enjoying themselves and the whole day was a great success.”

Ashlands Primary School, of Ilkley, won the prize for best parade entry, with its walking display showing Ilkley Past and Present – from the legendary giant Rombalds to next year’s Tour de France visit.

Attractions on the field included gymnastic displays on horseback from the Galloping Acrobats – whose horses also danced and performed tricks.

Visitors to the carnival field also got a closer look at owls and other birds of prey, took the chance to learn more about the soldiers of the English Civil War, visiting an encampment set up by the English Civil War Society, and learned about medieval food, crafts and weapons with Wars of the Roses re-enactment society The Clarence Household.

A funfair was set up on East Holmes Field, and many local organisations, charities and businesses set up their own stalls and activities.

Youngsters enjoyed inflatable slides, mini motorbikes and an old-fashioned Punch and Judy show.

Despite offering bigger attractions on the carnival field this year, organisers followed the tradition of recent years by keeping entry prices to the showground low.

Half of the profits from this year’s carnival, from ticket sales and donations to a team of collectors, will go to Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.