Cowboys

Some costumes in the 1908 carnival may have been inspired by the visit of showman William Frederick Cody, also known as 'Buffalo Bill,' who brought his famous Wild West Show to Ilford. The event drew large crowds that came to watch performances like 'Life on the Range,' 'Custer's Last Stand,' and demonstrations by horse-riding cowboys displaying their marksmanship. Additionally, Carter the Cowboy performed a notable stunt by jumping 12 metres from one ramp to another on a bicycle!