THE main act for this year’s Ilkley Carnival will be Galloping Acrobatics, organisers have announced.

The equestrian performance will feature show-stopping stunts on horses Tinker and Casper. With a rich background in equestrian performing, Rosie Howard set up the show in 2012 alongside fellow acrobats Helen Gilbertson and Imogen Barnes.

Rosie said: “We’re over the moon to be performing as the main carnival act this year. We can’t wait to mesmerise audiences through a triumph of gymnastic, aerobic and equestrian skills. We’ll be grabbing the reins by showcasing our magical horses, who’ll be surfing on skipping ropes and cracking math codes. If you’re looking for razzle dazzle – you’ve come to the right place!”

The carnival is on bank holiday, Monday, May 6. The Galloping Acrobatics performance will take place on the carnival showground following the annual parade which in 2018 saw over 1,000 participants from schools, charities and organisations take part.

Andrew Stacey, Ilkley Carnival chairman, said: “We can’t wait for the audience to be blown away at this horse gymnastics bonanza. We’re looking forward to seeing human and horse come together in an array of vaulting stunts.

“With less than six weeks to go until Ilkley Carnival, the fantastic line-up is coming into place and excitement is really beginning to build. We must say a huge thank you to all our sponsors, including main sponsor High Speed Training, who have supported us in putting together an even bigger day for the community this year!”

All profits raised from Ilkley Carnival go back into the community, with this year’s primary beneficiary, Ilkley Town football Club, receiving 50 per cent of the profits.

Ilkley Carnival tickets for adults, children and senior citizens are available online at https://www.ilkleycarnival.org/tickets/. Tickets for adults, children, senior citizens and families will also be available from the Tesco store on Springs Lane and Ilkley visitor information centre from Saturday, April 13. They will also be on sale on The Grove on Saturday,May 4 and from the Real Food Market on Sunday, May 5. Those living outside of Ilkley can buy tickets on the day.