Moorfield brings Alice in Wonderland to life at Ilkley Carnival
Moorfield School and Nursery brought a burst of colour and creativity to Ilkley Carnival on Monday, as pupils, staff and parents showcased a striking Alice in Wonderland-themed float.
The school’s entry, number ten in the parade, formed part of this year’s carnival theme celebrating children’s literature in recognition of the national Year of Reading.
Moorfield’s interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic brought a vibrant and imaginative display to the streets, featuring characters from the Mad Hatter’s tea party to the whimsical world of Wonderland.
Nicola Minshall, Moorfield’s Head of Early Years, said: “This year’s theme celebrates children’s books, and we immediately knew Alice in Wonderland would be perfect. It’s a story full of colour, imagination and wonderfully eccentric characters, and it resonates across all ages in our school, from 2 to 11.”
The float was the focus of an extensive after-school Carnival Craft Club, bringing together more than 40 pupils each week alongside parent volunteers. Together, they designed and created almost every element of the display, from papier-mâché turtle shells and hand-sewn costumes to collaged hats and imaginative props.
Mrs Minshall said: “This year the process has been a real community effort. The children didn’t just take part – they created something they felt truly proud of. There was a real sense of ownership, and it was wonderful to see older pupils naturally stepping into mentoring roles, helping younger children and working together so collaboratively.”
The project also highlighted the school’s commitment to sustainability, with many costumes and materials sourced from recycled or repurposed items.
“Wherever possible, we used recycled materials and repurposed what we already had,” Mrs Minshall said. “It was a great way to show children just how much can be created from what’s already available, and how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Moorfield’s participation in the carnival is part of a long-standing tradition of community involvement in Ilkley, with pupils also engaging in local initiatives such as station planting, care home visits, litter picking and food bank collections.
Mrs Minshall said: “Being part of the Ilkley community is hugely important to us. Events like the carnival bring people together and create lasting memories. It’s also a chance for our pupils to see themselves as active, valued members of the community.”
Moorfield School, on Ben Rhydding Road, in Ilkley, recently joined the Bradford Grammar School Foundation, strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, creativity and learning beyond the classroom.
Jessica Crossley, Head of Moorfield, said the carnival project reflects the school’s ethos.
“Opportunities like this are central to a Moorfield education,” she said. “We place real value on experiences that develop confidence, collaboration and creativity. It was wonderful to see our pupils applying these skills so naturally and contributing to something that brought the whole community together.”