Ilkley Carnival organisers have announced LS29 Special Needs Support Group as primary beneficiary of the 2014 event.

After an online application process and shortlist interviews, the Ilkley Carnival committee of ten voted in favour of LS29 receiving half the profits from this year’s event on Monday, May 5 with the remainder handed out to groups and charities helping on the day.

The primary beneficiary decision is being announced alongside a plea for sponsors to help the committee generate enough profits to make a significant difference to the 100 local families who turn to LS29 for practical and social support.

Ilkley’s Kashmiri Aroma has confirmed a three-year deal as main sponsor but packages are still available including the stage, craft tent, beer tent and main arena sponsors.

Jackie Davison, Ilkley Carnival’s newest committee member and owner of vintage china hire and event styling business Rose Pink Vintage, said although the decision was incredibly hard, the LS29 Special Needs Group shone out as an organisation that fulfils a need for many families across the district.

She said: “Every cause and group we heard from had a strong case for being primary beneficiary. But when we looked at the existing funding available to the LS29 group, we realised a sizeable Ilkley Carnival donation will make a very real difference to the services it can provide local families.

“To finance the LS29 activities for a full year, Ilkley Carnival needs to raise as much as it did in 2013. With just eight weeks to go we’re calling out for sponsors, programme advertisers and the support of the entire community to get behind the event and make it a collective success.”

Last year over £12k was raised with £6k going to support the nominated primary beneficiary, Ilkley and District Good Neighbours. Founded in 2006 by Ilkley-based parents of children with special needs, LS29 provides accessible activities for children with a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning difficulties, life limiting conditions and physical disabilities.

Follow @ilkleycarnival on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates and for information about becoming a sponsor, advertising in the event programme or volunteering your support, call Colin Watson 07885 200640 or go to ilkleycarnival.org.