Acrobats on horseback and spectacular historical re-enactment by the English Civil War Society will be among exciting attractions at Ilkley Carnival next month.

Tickets for the carnival, taking place on Monday, May 6, have now gone on sale, and the even promises to be bigger and better this year.

The theme of this year’s carnival is A Celebration of British History, and, in addition to times past providing the inspiration for parade entries, the English Civil War Society will turn the clock back to the turbulent times of the 17th Century.

The display will be one of many attractions on the carnival field in East Holmes Field, off Denton Road, as well as spectacular stunts on horseback by the Galloping Acrobats.

Organisers have now revealed other carnival field attractions will include live music, children’s entertainment featuring Punch and Judy, a funfair, a beer tent, food from around the world and many free events.

Further events planned include an under 10s football tournament, a funfair, Carnival Capers organised by Ilkley’s pubs and hotels, and dozens of stalls and stands, along with the annual parade along The Grove and Brook Street.

Tickets have now gone on sale online and are 25 per cent cheaper for adults if bought on the web in advance instead of on the day. Adult tickets bought in advance will cost £3 for adults, while all children’s tickets cost £1.

As well as getting cheaper tickets, anyone who buys online before May 6 will be automatically entered into a prize draw with a ‘secret’ top prize worth £150.

Final details of the competition prize are still being confirmed and will be revealed shortly, but carnival committee chairman Andrew Stacey said it would be worth winning.

“I would encourage anyone planning on coming to the carnival to buy their ticket online before the event,” he said.

“Not only will it save them some money, but it will make entrance onto the carnival field easier and smoother on the day.

“No-one will want to be queuing up for tickets, they will want to be enjoying themselves with all the great things this year’s event will have to offer.

“Of course, anyone buying tickets will be benefitting the Ilkley and District Good Neighbours who are our main beneficiaries from this year’s event and we want to raise as much as possible to help them.”

Visit ilkleycarnival.org to buy advance tickets or for further information on sponsorship packages.