IT’S a big weekend for Ilkley with barrel-loads of fun and sporting spectacle, whatever your tastes or interests.

The Bank Holiday weekend sees not only the Tour de Yorkshire spinning through the district on Sunday, but also the always-excellent Ilkley Carnival livening up the town on Monday.

The Tour de Yorkshire's final leg on Sunday will see the riders pass through Ilkley, Addingham, Menston and Burley-in-Wharfedale, setting things up nicely for Monday’s carnival extravaganza.

Centred on East Holmes Field, the carnival has an At The Movies theme and the parade that leaves The Grove at 11am is sure to be a sight to behold.

With entertainment from the Vader Brothers, falconry, the Black Hats v White Hats cricket match and a host of attractions, it looks like the carnival, allied to the Tour de Yorkshire, is making this weekend one to remember.

Children from Ashlands Primary School enjoyed the build up to the big weekend when they welcomed the official flag of the Tour de Yorkshire to school on Tuesday. The flag, which features the official logo of the Tour and is in the Tour's official colours of blue and yellow, was on a tour of the district.

It follows the school's participation in a promotional video for the Tour which is being shown on the big screen in City Park, Bradford. Head teacher Andrew Soutar said: "We worked with Bradford Council to film a human bicycle using drones. The children enjoyed the activity and the finished film is very professional.

"We are excited once again with the Tour de Yorkshire passing through Ilkley and many of the children and their families are involved in cycling with Ilkley Cycle Club. They enjoy the exercise and use this to promote healthy lifestyles."

Preparations are well underway at pubs and clubs across Ilkley who will be expecting brisk trade. Customers at the Black Hat in Ilkley are joining in the fun and one of the pub’s regulars has even donated a banner from the time that the Tour de France Grand Depart passed through Ilkley in 2014.

Business owner Stewart Taylor said: "We’re all incredibly excited that the Tour de Yorkshire is returning to Ilkley this year. It’s only the third year of the race and it will be the second time that it’s come through the town so it’s clear that the organisers value the fantastic support that the local public and businesses give to the event.

"One of our regulars has donated his ‘Ey Up banner that he had made for the Tour de France which will take pride of place in our decorations for the event.

"The race passes through relatively early this year, around 12.40pm. It’s literally passing our front door so we’ll be open from 9am for breakfast sandwiches and we’ll be running a barbecue and outside bar throughout the day.

"Stage 3 will be the deciding stage and, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing our local rider Scott Thwaites passing through. There’s no doubt it’s going to be another great spectacle for us all to enjoy."

Lishmans and The Commute Coffee House and Cycle-Workshop on Leeds Road have also teamed up for a street party and All Saints Ilkley have a family fun day planned outside the church.

There will be fun for all the family in Addingham with lots of activities in the Memorial Hall carpark from 11am, including a barbecue, bouncy castle and refreshments. Local pubs and social clubs will all also be open to welcome residents.

In Burley-in-Wharfedale not only will the Tour de Yorkshire be going through the village on Sunday but it is also the official opening of the Grange Park Play Area. At 10.23am the Le Tour Caravan goes along Main Street with lots of entertainment and freebies and at 12.39pm the Tour de Yorkshire goes straight through Burley down Main Street.

After a break for food and a chance to enjoy the entertainment, at 2pm the new Grange Park Play Area will be officially opened. It was funded by WREN, Tesco, the community and driven by Cllr Rachael Robinson.