Published 22nd Mar 2023, 06:00 BST

This year's Ilkley Carnival, with a grand parade just five days before the crowning of King Charles lll in May, is to see a Coronation theme for 2023. There will be crowns and corgis and carriages and a fair sweep of Royal regalia.

Some 1,000 local school children are to take part in the parade, along with dance groups and theatre troupes, before huge crowds in the streets.

There will be golden carriages, and household guards. Many, many kings and queens. And behind the scenes, in hundreds of homes, creative teams are already working their magic.

Pupils at Ben Rhydding Primary School are preparing for the forthcoming Ilkley Carnival as it marks a coronation theme for this year's King's Coronation. Pictured Suzanne Watson, Deputy Lieutenant West Yorkshire, with Isla Moffatt, Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.

Ben Rhydding Primary School was last year's parade winners, and have turned this year to a micro-theme celebrating everything about the Crown Jewels.

Carrie Bridgen, PTA chair and one of the organisers, said it's been a flurry of creative thinking. Some girls in Year 6 wanted to be corgis, so research is underway. Then someone mentioned the Stone of Destiny, used for centuries by the monarchs of Scotland, which will now only ever enter England for a coronation in Westminster Abbey.

"It's actually quite a hard topic," she said. "Apart from kings and queens, how do we do this? Well the Crown Jewels are held at the Tower of London, so some of the Yr 6s are towers and in Reception class we have some ravens. There's lots of crowns. Orbs and sceptres.

"I can't give too much away. Yes there is an element of competition, maybe more so from the parents than the kids," she admitted. "It's just nice. It's going to be spectacular."

Suzanne Watson, Deputy Lieutenant West Yorkshire, with pupils Isla Moffatt, (Union Jack), Hadyn Bridgen, (King) Freya Brown (Queen). and Flora Strickland, (Raven). Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.

Ilkley Carnival, held every May Day Bank Holiday, draws huge crowds up to 10,000 strong. The celebration, raising funds for community groups, is led entirely by volunteers, backed by llkley BID and with primary sponsorship from High Speed Training.

Every school in Ilkley will take part in the parade, each with their own micro-theme. Afterwards, on the carnival showground, there is a dog show, headline acts, trade and charity stalls, as well as food and drink and craft tents and Punch and Judy shows.

Supporting this year’s Ilkley Carnival is Suzanne Watson, a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, who supports the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his role as The King’s representative across the area.

She said it was wonderful to see parents and children’s efforts, and from all the local groups who “do the town proud”.

Pictured Hadyn Bridgen (King) and Freya Brown (Queen). Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.

She said: “Ilkley Carnival is an historic event in its own right and is a fantastic boost, not only for local people and businesses but also for the town’s younger generation who are growing up involved in, enjoying and seeing the impact and value of true community spirit.

"It’s going to be a wonderful start to the Coronation celebrations.”

Inside Ilkley Carnival's parade with Royal costumes for King Charles' coronation