THE Ilkley Carnival committee is offering local groups the opportunity to be a primary beneficiary and receive 50 per cent of profits from the TV-themed 2018 May-day event.

Ilkley Carnival raises valuable funds for the community through ticket sales, sponsorship and money collected on the day. Last year £17,000 was paid out to 29 local organisations and charities, including more than £8,000 to the primary beneficiary Ilkley Junior Harriers.

The event aims to help out a range of organisations each year and in the past, has donated a combined £26,000 to past primary beneficiary groups including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Aware (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource), Ilkley Pre-school Playgroup, Ben Rhydding Primary and Ilkley Christchurch Scout Group.

The committee is now encouraging charities, organisations, schools and playgroups in the LS29 area to apply for 2018 primary beneficiary status before the deadline on February 2.

Carnival Chairman Andrew Stacey said: “We introduced the ‘primary beneficiary’ process in 2014 to enable one local group – or small collective - to receive a substantial amount of money that could really make a difference to their facilities or services. Becoming a primary beneficiary helps to raise awareness for your cause and helps to amplify a brands profile.

“With more than £26,000 distributed over the last four years to our successful primary beneficiary applicants, the potential is huge for yet another local group to receive several thousands of pounds from profits raised in 2018."

Andrew added: “Of course, we will continue to distribute the remaining 50 per cent of profits to other local organisations who actively support Ilkley Carnival through volunteers and by helping us make the event the success it is. Thanks to such fantastic community support Ilkley Carnival has raised an incredible £69,000 in the last six years which has all gone back into supporting local facilities and groups. We’re now looking for sponsors, advertisers and volunteers to help us sustain this success and make 2018 our best fundraising year yet!”

Alison Bennet of Junior Ilkley Harriers said receiving the donation from Ilkley Carnival in 2017 was ‘absolutely amazing’ adding: “It has specifically helped us towards the building of a shot put area as part of the Compact Athletics Training Facility. With this funding, we will be able to take on more local children who will be able to learn core athletic techniques such as balance and coordination from shot put training.

“I would encourage anyone thinking of applying to be a primary beneficiary as it can really make a difference to your organisation.”

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. Successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview on February 8, 2018.

If you are interested in sponsorship, advertising or volunteering your time, contact carnival committee member Colin Watson on 07885 200640 for more details.