Organisers of Ilkley 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 the event in any way they can.

Despite drawing thousands 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 a lack of volunteers, although supporters have now stepped forward to save it.

Ilkley parade organiser Liz Tennant said: “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. Live bands, from the well-known Five Dollar Shoes to new groups from Ilkley Grammar School, have been booked to appear, and reality TV star Richard Turnbull – who starred in Channel 4’s No Going Back – will fly in from Italy to compere the event.

Favourites such as falconry displays and Punch and Judy will return to the main carnival site on East Holmes Field.

Mrs Tennant said: “It’s not just the acts we pay for, but the equipment, stage, fencing, sound and marquees for all the catering. It costs a fortune and we have to recoup that back and more.

“We urge people to put the date in their diaries and to come along, and if anyone wants to come along in any other capacity, to get in touch.”

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