Organisers of a business showcase are warning visitors and exhibitors not to be caught “baht’at” this weekend.

The third Ilkley Summer Showcase, which is being held at the King’s Hall on Saturday, will have a theme relating to the town’s famous anthem, Ilkla Moor Baht’at, and it is hoped everyone at the event will oblige with their own headwear.

The showcase, from 10.30am to 4pm, is organised by Ilkley Business Forum to encourage people to visit the area and shop locally.

A programme is to be printed which will double-up as a tourist guide afterwards, with details of local attractions and beauty spots.

A series of free workshops have been introduced for the first time, including a cookery demonstration, an interactive session on first aid for children, a talk on how hypnotherapy can help phobias and advice on PR and marketing for small businesses.

Previously, efforts to fight the economic downturn by the Business forum, which also ran the town’s first “shopping trail” in May, have been praised by the region’s tourism leaders and the forum’s acting chair, Steve Butler has said he hopes this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.

“Hats will be de rigeur this weekend, in a nod to our world famous song, Ilkla Moor Baht’at,” he said.

“We’re inviting everyone to show up sporting their best titfer and to thoroughly enjoy this vibrant shopping and networking event.”

In the spirit of the hat theme, Alan Strachan of Logo Promotional Merchandise, will be doffing his to the first 10 people to visit his stand at the King’s Hall and Winter Garden venue – and giving them one for free.

He will among scores of independent retailers, professionals, charities and community organisations offering special discounts, promotions and freebies at the event and there will also be a £100 prize draw.

“The Summer Showcase is a sterling idea,” Mr Strachan said.

“I was there last year too and it was a success.

“You never know where your business will come from and I will be participating with great gusto.”

For more details, call Steve Butler on 01943 816207 or e-mail enquiries@ilkleybusinessforum.co.uk