NEXT weekend may see the second largest influx of Normans since 1066, but this will be in pursuit of the entente cordiale between Ilkley and its Normandy twin town, Coutances, and the only conquering will be of hearts and minds and with musical overtones.

First to arrive on Friday, April 28 will be the Canterie du Rey, a 40-strong choir under the leadership of Frances Hook. The Canterie will be performing at All Saints Church at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 29 in conjunction with Ilkley Moornotes Choir.

The Ilkley-Coutances Twinning Association and Ilkley Town Council will hold an official reception at the Winter Gardens for a civic delegation from Coutances.  A full programme is planned for both groups of visitors. The choir is visiting Haworth on Sunday, while the Coutances delegation spends a day at Newby Hall. Official dinners are planned for Sunday evening.

The Canterie departs on Monday, May 1, but guests from Coutances will be able to enjoy all that the carnival has to offer. They will also be invited to witness Ilkley-Wharfedale Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race and challenge Ilkley’s pétanque players at the Riverside Terrain. They will depart on May 2 hopefully having renewed old friendships and forged new ones.