Coronation-themed Ilkley Carnival brings out record crowd

News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Ilkley Carnival 2023 processionMichelle Lyons/BBC
One group in the procession carried a homemade larger-than-life crown

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of a West Yorkshire town for the borough's coronation-themed carnival.

Pageantry of all shapes and sizes was on show in Ilkley as up to 1,000 people took part in the annual procession and more cheered them on.

Carnival committee chairman Andrew Stacey said about 10,000 people had visited the town's showground.

"This carnival is by the community for the community," he added.

'Always spectacular'

The procession featured a display of kings and queens, Spitfire planes, crowns and even youngsters dressed up as the Red Arrows aerobatic team.

Mr Stacey said despite weather worries before the annual event, hundreds of volunteers had worked tirelessly to make the show a success.

"It's always spectacular, but this year has been superb."

News imageJulia Bryson/BBC Most local primary schools take part in the community eventJulia Bryson/BBC
Most local primary schools take part in the community event
News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Ilkley Carnival 2023 processionMichelle Lyons/BBC
These children were kings and queens of their castle
News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Ilkley Carnival 2023 processionMichelle Lyons/BBC
A jousting re-enactment group also joined the parade

After being cancelled during the pandemic, 2022's event had seen a record-breaking turnout - but this year had been even bigger, Mr Stacey said.

"The main reason is the community supporting us. It is by the community, for the community.

"The community have shown us they want this event."

News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Ilkley Carnival 2023 processionMichelle Lyons/BBC
There were a few very special royal visitors by the roadside
News imageJulia Bryson/BBC A giant model of Big Ben was carried along the routeJulia Bryson/BBC
A giant model of Big Ben was carried along the route
News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Ilkley Carnival 2023 processionMichelle Lyons/BBC
Music filled the air as the bagpipe band took to the streets
News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Ilkley Carnival 2023 processionMichelle Lyons/BBC
Children and adults dressed as the RAF Red Arrows - complete with wings
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