IT’S been missing from the summer events calendar for the last couple of years, but the Guiseley Carnival was back with a bang on Sunday, June 26th.

This year the carnival was bigger and better than ever before, with live music, a spectacular interactive parade and community celebrations.

Those in the parade will gathered at Guiseley Primary School at 12.30pm. The parade started at 1pm and and paraded through Towngate to St Oswald’s Primary School where the party continued.

​The fete on St Oswald’s school field opened as the parade arrived with live music, games and fun until 4pm.

There was stalls, sports events, live music and fun for all the family.

Jointly organised by Codswallop CIC and Guiseley Senior Citizens Association funds were raised for the annual trip to Southport at the end of July.

The weather was kind for the return of the carnival and the parade saw a variety of colourful banners fluttering in the breeze along with the Jubilee bunting.

The Parade was led by the City of Bradford Pipe Band, followed by the Carnival Queen and attendants in a variety of luxury and vintage vehicles - including a repurposed Santa’s Sleigh.

Then came a range of community groups, from dancers to AVSED, yarn bombers to The British Legion, followed by a pack of Mods on scooters and Bare Brass Band with their New Orleans style jazz tunes.

The Carnival Fete was opened by Danny Forrest from Guiseley AFC with the help of the Carnival Queen Francesca, who was crowned with her attendant Grace. Visitors could then visit a range of craft and competition stalls, food outlets, and take part in sports day games - or just picnic listening to the bands or the community choirs. Children could clamber over a Fire Engine and Police Car - after or before enjoying an ice cream.

A spokesperson said: “The Carnival Committee worked hard to make the event a celebration of all things Guiseley and thanks must go to all, from the local councillors who organised the necessary street closures, to Codswallop who organized the parade and fete, and all the participants and helpers.”

Peter Gable, treasurer of Guiseley Senior Citizens Association added: “It was an overwhelming success, fantastic turnout, the weather stayed fair and there was a tremendous community spirit.

“The parade had 19 different groups, over 200 people and a variety of entertainment as they walked the procession route.

“There was a variety of stalls, sports day activities, dancing, singing and live music from piped and brass bands.”

The carnival formed part of Guiseley’s The Tales Told Festival.

Hosted by Codswallop CIC, The Tales Told Festival 2022 is a jam packed week (June 24 -July 1) celebrating arts and heritage in and around Guiseley, this year with a special focus on Guiseley AFC.

The festival has 20 events happening in just one week, featuring everything from live theatre to silent discos, Guiseley carnival to cinema screenings, talks and tours to community barn dances, all happening alongside a historical exhibition looking at the full history of Guiseley’s football club and an art exhibition put together by all 12 schools in the Aireborough cluster.

The festival is ramping up excitement in anticipation for Guiseley Theatre’s brand new play ‘On Hallowed Ground’ which uses real fans’ experiences to tell the story of the clubs famous path to victory in the 1991 FA Vase, which takes to the stage 21st-24th July at Guiseley Theatre.

Jacob Phillips, Artistic Director at Codswallop CIC said “This years Tales Told is particularly exciting for us, the first summer since 2019 where we can come together as a community without any restrictions and celebrate one of Guiseley’s, oldest and most loved organisations. It’s great to have Guiseley AFC on board.”

The festival includes a historical talk by some of Guiseley’s most dedicated fans, a tour of the club grounds and a full screening of the FA vase match at Wembley in 1991.

For more information about festival events which remain visit: www.codswallop.org.uk/talestold