IN contrast to last year’s scorching temperatures, revellers to the 2019 Ilkley Carnival held on May bank holiday were met with a cool but sunny start to the festivities.

But the lower temperatures didn’t stop thousands of visitors from flocking to the town to enjoy the carnival atmosphere and take part in the family-fun day despite being bombarded with a heavy hail shower just after lunch.

The parade set off from The Grove at 11am before wending its way along Brook Street and Denton Road before arriving at the East Holmes showground just before mid-day.

In true carnival style there were events on all afternoon with music, dancing displays and horse acrobatics.

Around 1,000 youngsters dressed for the ‘Shows and Musicals’ themed parade, sponsored by anytime Fitness, made a colourful spectacle as they wound their way to the showground.

As ever, volunteers and members of the carnival committee had been working hard over the past months to ensure all the preparations were in place for visitors to enjoy a seam-free day of fun.

“The parade was absolutely outstanding,” said Ilkley Carnival Committee chairman Andrew Stacey.

“There were 1,219 involved in it and I have never seen it look to outstanding and so colourful. It was a record number for the parade.

“It was good to see so many people lining the streets to watch it. A lot of them then came onto the field.

“The weather is not as good as last year but we are still up there in terms of numbers visiting and taking part in the entertainment on the field.”

Gwenda Van Damme, mother of Sacred Heart pupils Billy and Emily Spenceley, had been working on costumes for their school’s Joseph and The Technicolour Dreamcoat-themed parade entry since March.

“It’s incredible to see just how much effort goes into making Ilkley Carnival happen every year from the parents with the parade and the committee and volunteers. It’s wonderful to see how inspired and excited the children are. This event really makes a difference to local lives and truly brings the whole community together. We’re so delighted to be a part of it – whatever the weather,” she said.

Backed by main sponsors High Speed Training, the day showcased an array of show-stopping entertainment, including a spectacular horse and rider main act, The Galloping Acrobatics.

Elsewhere people were treated to a birds of prey spectacular, a vintage vehicle show, live music, a fun dog show and duck race.

There was a host of free entertainment for all the family from a craft tent to the ever-popular Punch and Judy show and duck race.

Ilkley Town Football Club has been selected as the Carnival’s 2019 primary beneficiary.

The club will receive 50 per cent of the profits raised to help with two transformative projects to enhance club facilities. The remaining profits will be split between local charities, schools and organisations.

The volunteer-run carnival has raised more than £60,000 for local community groups since 2012 which support organisations including schools, sports clubs, scouts and guides and local charities including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Stroke Group and AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource).