Organisers of a carnival have warned residents to ‘use it or lose it’ amid fears this year’s parade could be the last.

Committee members are appealing for people to turn out in force on Monday, May 2, and support Ilkley Carnival in any way they can.

Despite drawing thousands of people onto the streets of Ilkley for more than 20 years, the event only broke even last year.

Earlier this month, Keighley’s gala parade faced the axe after 134 years because of increasing costs and lack of volunteers, although supporters have now stepped forward to save it.

Ilkley parade organiser and carnival committee member Liz Tennant said: “It’s an established part of the community.

“Every penny that gets raised goes to the local community and if it’s not supported there’s a risk it won’t go on to survive in future years.

“Last year we just covered costs. We didn’t manage to make any money to hand out to charities which is the sole point of the carnival.”

The theme for this year’s parade is children’s literature.

Schools across the town are already preparing costumes from tales such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hungry Caterpillar and Aliens Love Underpants.

To get involved, contact Lou Parkinson on 07968 483895 or e-mail lou@mnatwork.com.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A