THE Ilkley Carnival committee is offering local groups the opportunity to receive 50 per cent of profits from the May-day, movie-themed event as primary beneficiary applications open.

Ilkley Carnival raises funds for the community through ticket sales, sponsorship and money raised on the day. Last year, the £10k raised was paid out to local good causes including primary beneficiaries AWARE, Ilkley Cricket Club and Ilkley Christchurch Scout Group.

The committee is now encouraging charities, organisations, schools and playgroups in the LS29 area to apply for 2017 beneficiary status before the deadline on February 23, 2017.

Carnival Chairman Andrew Stacey said: “Since the rebirth of Ilkley Carnival, the event has raised more than £50,000 for local groups such as LS29 Special Needs, Ilkley and District Good Neighbours and Ilkley Cricket Club who suffered devastating damage after the Boxing Day floods in 2015.

“There are so many deserving local organisations who would benefit significantly from Ilkley Carnival profits so we would encourage any interested parties to get in touch before the closing date. With great ticket sales and business sponsorship, as much as £7,500 has been donated to a single organisation in just one year. This year, we’re aiming for bigger and better!”

To raise these funds, Ilkley Carnival relies on local businesses sponsoring the event and is calling out for this years ‘carnival stars’ to get their name in lights and become the headline sponsor.

Jo Galasso from AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource), which received a share of £10k from Ilkley Carnival 2016, said: "AWARE offers support for parents of children with autism and the funds we received from the carnival enabled us to take the children away on a residential weekend. The trip provided a safe and educational experience for the children and gave parents a chance to recharge their batteries.

“I can’t urge other local organisations enough to apply for support in 2017, the difference it has made to our children has been priceless.”

‘At The Movies’ was announced as the 2017 theme, with the carnival committee expecting The Grove to be transformed into a red carpet of glitz and glam on May 1. While the acts are still under wraps, the committee has promised to bring a touch of Hollywood to the day.

Interested parties can apply for primary beneficiary status online through the Ilkley Carnival website www.ilkleycarnival.org, or by emailing Ilkley Carnival secretary Mari Hunt for an application form on carnisec@gmail.com. Deadline is Friday, February 23 and successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview on Thursday, March 2.

If you are interested in becoming the headline sponsor or in programme advertising packages, contact carnival committee member Colin Watson on 07885 200640 for more details.