Ilkley's millennium committee is celebrating after learning that Bradford Council will finance its June Party in the Park event.

The committee met to discuss the mid-summer celebration, which takes place on Sunday, June 25 in the Riverside Gardens.

And the parish council committee is hoping the event will capture the imagination of Ilkley residents.

A number of different bands are likely to feature at the event, as well as entertainment for children.

The committee would also like to organise a religious ceremony or service to mark the millennium.

Miggy Bailey, Ilkley Parish Council clerk, said it was hoped to produce a leaflet to highlight the midsummer events planned.

She urged organisations planning an event during the midsummer period (mid June to early July) to contact her.

The Party in the Park event will be hot on the heels of the official opening of the Darwin Gardens, scheduled for June 24.

Mrs Bailey said the committee was also considering the possibility of constructing a permanent millennium memorial or sculpture in the Riverside Gardens.

Part of the funds raised from the sales of the parish council's Ilkley 2000 millennium calendar would be put towards the June event, which, as an incentive, has been reduced to £2.50.

Further details about co-ordinating planned midsummer events can be obtained from Mrs Bailey at Ilkley Town Hall on (01943) 436212.

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