Through The Ages will be the theme for the 1999 Ilkley Carnival, the Gazette can exclusively reveal.

The carnival committee believes it has hit on an idea which offers endless opportunities for Olicanians to express themselves.

Carnival president Miggy Bailey said: "This offers people the chance to dress up in all sorts of weird and wonderful outfits.

"Through the ages means exactly that.

"Hopefully we will have people in medieval gear through to the styles of the 1970s.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who contacted me with ideas and suggestions for the 1999 event.

"All the contributions were very much appreciated," said Mrs Bailey.

Last year's event smashed all previous financial records with beneficiaries sharing about £11,000.

The money came from the pockets of the 12,000 people who attended the event in May.

"I know next May seems a long time away but we have to start our preparations as early as possible.

"I hope by announcing the theme for the carnival in September, it gives people lots of time to think about what they are going to do on the day," said Mrs Bailey.

Mrs Bailey has made a special plea for more commercial organisations to take part in the occasion.

"We would really like to see more of them take part in the parade, such as Booths did this year," said Mrs Bailey.

She also hoped the fashion theme would allow school children to produce some stunning entries for the annual carnival painting competition.

The next decision for the carnival committee is to choose the beneficiaries for the 1999 event.

"I just hope we have the sort of weather which helped make the 1998 carnival such a success," said Mrs Bailey.

l The 1999 Ilkley Carnival will take place on Monday May 3.

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