Hot on the heels of the royal wedding street party, Ilkley will be preparing for a second celebration this weekend.

Organisers will be closing off the streets again for the annual carnival to be held on bank holiday Monday.

This year they are urging people not to sneak in without paying after making a loss of £3,000 last year.

Monday’s colourful parade will see children dressed as characters from the best of children’s literature march from Grove Road at 11.30am. Meanwhile Ilkley Grammar School bands The Feedback and Passive Paradise will entertain the crowds at East Holmes field.

Compering for the third year will be former Ilkley resident Richard Turnbull, star of fly-on-the-wall documentary No Going Back.

The parade will arrive at the carnival field at 12.15pm, where winners will be presented with prizes and visitors can enjoy the traditional funfair and attractions.

Afternoon entertainment includes two exhibitions by Malhamdale Falconry, performances by Ashlands Street Dancers and the Joze School of Dance, and music from Leeds indie rock group Quentin’s Basement.

Swing band Five Dollar Shoes And Clear will play two sets, and soloist Laura Tales will return to sing at the carnival for the second time.

Pre-paid tickets will be on sale on The Grove on Saturday to ease access on Monday and encourage people to pay.

The carnival has raised £80,000 for good causes in its 15-year history, but failed to make a profit last year for the first time.

Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey said: “Ilkley Carnival was established to raise funds for social projects to benefit generations of schoolchildren and local families.

“There is a danger that we’re losing sight of what the carnival is all about – just one four-hour event per year can raise between £5,000 and £6,000 for our community, and the impact on funds raised by not paying to get in is devastating.”

Tickets cost £4 for adults or £1 for children on the day, or £3 if bought in advance.

To help at the carnival, contact Lou Parkinson on 07968 483895 or e-mail lou@ mnat-work. com. Volunteers are also needed for Ilkley In Bloom’s post-carnival litter pick, which starts at 6.30pm in All Saints Church car park.