Carnival family fun goes down a storm (From Ilkley Gazette)

Guiseley Carnival raises more than £1,700

7:30pm Saturday 30th June 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A good time was had by all as more than £1,700 was raised at Guiseley Carnival.

After torrential down-pours and flooding across the country, the weather held off to allow the crowds to enjoy a wide range of entertainment and a host of stalls.

Carnival Queen Amy Dobson took pride of place in Sunday’s parade travelling in a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-style car. She was accompanied by no less than 14 attendants, travelling in open-top cars.

Others taking part in the parade included the Cadets Marching Band, a Second World War wagon, Newfoundland dogs, the Royal British Legion and a fire engine.

Guiseley Infant School, Oxford Road Nursery and Guiseley mums and tots also featured.

Entertainment on the parade ground was provided by local bands and artists, arranged by the landlord of The Station pub. Crowds were also entertained by line dancers, the West Yorkshire School of Performing Arts and Otley Gymnastics. The Cadet Band provided the drum-roll for the opening of the ceremony by Margaret Atkinson.

Many local businesses and organisations had stalls at the event, providing games for children to play, as well as plants, cakes and bottles. There were also tombolas and the usual fairground rides, bouncy castle and food stalls.

Money raised goes tow-ards the annual outing to the coast for more than 300 of Guiseley’s senior citizens. The outing takes place in August, and this year’s destination is said to be top secret! Guiseley Senior Citizens chair-woman Marian Ealham thanked committee mem-bers for their tireless dedication.

Carnival chairwoman Julie Jaques thanked the sponsors – particularly JCT 600, of Menston – and the public for supporting the event.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the work of Guiseley Senior Citizens Commit-tee, or to volunteer for the organisation, should contact Marian Ealham on (01132) 509932.