THREE organisations have hit the financial jackpot - thanks to a sunny day in Ilkley.

For the three groups are this year's beneficiaries of Ilkley Carnival proceeds.

And in stark contrast to the 1997 event, which was a washout and barely enabled the carnival committee to cover its expenses, this year's Up In the Air theme has brought in £11,000.

This is almost double the total raised in 1996 and means that officials of the Ilkley Up-Stagers Theatre Group, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Wharfe Valley Community Project are smiling.

The organisations, who should have benefited last year but for the torrential rain, will receive the major 'slice' of the cake.

Carnival president Miggy Bailey, said: "The carnival committee is absolutely delighted with the results.

"A great deal of hard work went into organising the carnival, as it does every year, and it is tremendous to see it pay off in this way."

Mrs Bailey and her colleagues had been praying for decent weather this year as another sodden event would have been disastrous, for organisers and beneficiaries alike.

"I think our prayers were most definitely answered. I think you could say it was almost a perfect day," she said.

More than 12,000 people enjoyed the town's annual party on a day where youngsters dressed as aliens mingled with cartoon characters and men on stilts chatted with birds of paradise.

The weather was so pleasant that one aspect of the carnival suffered. Hundreds of balloons were released into the air and it was hoped they would land in far away places.

Mrs Bailey said: "Well, we know one got as far as Lincoln, Still, you can't have everything."

Ilkley Carnival treasurer Mike Lynes said: "This is clearly the biggest total ever raised from the carnival. It is testament to the people of Ilkley."

The 1998 event was an enormous success, but Mr Lynes said the committee never took anything for granted. "You have to remember there are a number of other events held on that day (Bank Holiday Monday) and most within driving distance of Ilkley."

Mr Lynes said the committee was also delighted with the support shown by the many trade stands who did not make a penny at the 1997 event but turned up in numbers again this year.

"Obviously, the fundraising is a very important part of the carnival but it was originally created to bring the people of Ilkley together. It has been supported wonderfully well," said Mr Lynes.

The money is a welcome boost for the three main beneficiaries (and several smaller ones) but the committee is left with a headache for 1999.

As reported in last week's Ilkley Gazette, the committee needs a theme for the 1999 event.

Mrs Bailey is keen to hear from anyone with an original idea for next year's event. Themes used in recent years include Up In The Air, Down On The Farm, Wild West, Monsters, Planet Earth and All At Sea.

Anyone with a fantastic theme idea for Ilkley Carnival 1999 can contact Mrs Bailey at Ilkley Town Hall on 01943 436212.

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