GET INVOLVED
BE PART OF THE PARADE
The Otley Carnival parade is a display of our local schools, nurseries, community groups and more…
all dressed up in creative costumes, uniforms and themed floats.
The parade is made up of walking and lorry floats, which travel from the
Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart to the Showground Field which is just after the bridge.
Awards are given to our favourite entries!
Who can enter?
Any education settings or community groups, children and adults alike.
How do I enter?
When bookings are open, you will be asked the following information and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can to confirm your place:
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Name of school, business or group
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Name, address & contact number of group leader
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Are the group aged 18 or over?
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Will you be taking part on a float or on foot?
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If a float, do you require assistance obtaining a lorry?
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Details of your Public liability Insurance
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If you have any questions, please email parade@otleycarnival.co.uk we look forward to receiving your application!
What happens on the day?
Award judging takes place between 11.30am and 12pm, so you should arrive in good time.
The parade sets off at 12.30pm prompt.
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All entrants must:
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Be in costume or uniform OR on a decorated float
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Have a large banner to promote your group name
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Think about how you sound as well as look
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Have parental / carer consent (if under the age of 18)
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Have sufficient adult supervision for groups under 18 yrs old (our suggested ratios are: ages 5-8 years, 1 adult for every 4 children; ages 8 years+, 1 adult for every 8 children)
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Ensure that appropriate vehicle insurance is in place if using for a float
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Have public liability insurance
The parade will arrive at the Showground Field by 1.15pm where children can reunite with their grown-ups, awards are given out and everyone can enjoy food, rides, shopping and entertainment until 5pm.
Are there any toilet/changing facilities?
There are toilets at the Auction Mart, and also on the Showground Field but we recommend you arrive in costume as changing facilities are limited.
BOOK A STALL
Carnival Day attracts over 20,000 visitors to Otley - both lining the streets to watch the parade, and coming and going all afternoon at the Carnival Field.
To book a stall plot to sell your product, advertise your business, service or charity, or engage with the local community, please complete this form and one of the committee team will be in touch:
PLEASE NOTE:
When you book your stall plot, you will be asked to let us know if you plan to bring your own table, gazebo, generator etc. - these are not provided by the Carnival.
You will also be asked to provide information about your Public Liability Insurance.
Stall holders can unload onto the field between 9am-12pm.
VOLUNTEER
The Carnival is one of Otley’s largest events - both in terms of
spread across the town and the number of visitors it attracts.
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If you are able to lend a hand we'd love to hear from you - info@otleycarnival.co.uk
We need volunteers on the day to help with:
Collection Buckets
All money collected on the day is shared between our beneficiaries and there is a prize for the highest collector on the day!
Carnival Field Set Up
This is a physical role involving pegging out markers on the field to define spaces for stall holders, food vendors and entertainment.
Stewards
Guiding the many visitors around Otley and giving people a friendly helping hand to find what they need.
Litter Collectors
Helping keep the streets clean and safe!
Signage Assistants
Prior to Carnival day we will display an array of signs around the town to help direct people and give key information
Fundraising
We may need help from time to time with our fundraising efforts. Anyone willing and able to help us with bake sales, selling programmes within the local community or selling raffle tickets will be very welcome.