Ilkley carnival organisers are determined there will be no repeat of the gate-crashing chaos which marred the start of last year's event.

Although the event was deemed a great success, with about 18,000 enjoying the

occasion, there was anger that hundreds entered the carnival field without paying.

Miggy Bailey, carnival president, said steps had been taken to establish a filter system at the entrance of the field. A new-look carnival programme would also act as an entrance ticket.

"Hopefully, the programmes/ tickets will be on sale by April 1, giving people plenty of time to purchase them in advance," said Mrs Bailey.

She said the new system would hopefully lead to a much smoother start to the carnival in East Holmes Field.

The committee had been anxious to tackle this issue after the events of last year, said Mrs Bailey.

The first Ilkley carnival of the new millennium is now less than two months away and the president has called for a bumper show of support on Monday, May 1. The carnival parade has always captured the imagination of the town's schools but Mrs Bailey is keen to see other groups and organisations embrace the occasion.

"The schools have always

supported the parade but we would like to see the numerous sports clubs and organisations take part this year," she said.

Mrs Bailey said the carnival theme, 2000: His Story and Beyond, provided plenty of scope for parade ideas and costumes.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what weird and wonderful designs people come up with this year," she said.

The carnival president herself is no stranger to bizarre costumes. In recent years she has been seen in everything from a Roman toga to a multi-coloured bird costume.

She revealed the star attraction in the carnival field would be Gerard Naprous and his team of horsemen once again.

The team's display of medieval jousting at last year's event proved a big hit with carnival-goers. "We are delighted they are coming back this year," said Mrs Bailey.

She said details of other attractions would be announced in the weeks leading up to the big day.

The traditional build up to the carnival starts with the annual painting competition. Mrs Bailey said she was pleased to see eight schools had taken part this year. The winning entry will be used on the front of the carnival programme.

The programme/entry ticket will be available from numerous Ilkley locations.

Anyone wanting further information about entering a float in the carnival parade should contact Mrs Bailey on 01943 436212.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.