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Ilkley Carnival launches primary beneficiary process

 

Ilkley Carnival is inviting local groups and organisations to apply to be the 2019 primary beneficiary.

 

One local group has the chance to receive 50% of the profits from this year’s show stopping musical event with the remaining 50% distributed amongst other local good causes.

 

Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey says previous primary beneficiaries have received as much as £8,600 to help improve lives within the local community.

 

“Ilkley Carnival is all about the community, the event itself is a celebration of the town with everyone getting involved from schools and extracurricular clubs to local charities and businesses. That’s why it’s so brilliant to be able to put the profits back into the community itself and help make a real difference to some wonderful organisations,” he said.

 

“We are now looking for the group, the organisation or the charity that will be selected to receive the lion’s share of the 2019 funds. Applicants need to demonstrate where the money will go, how it will be used and what value they can bring to help us make this the best Ilkley Carnival ever.”

 

Every year Ilkley Carnival returns profits from ticket sales, sponsorship and money collected on the day, to the local community.  A new system was introduced in 2014 establishing one primary beneficiary to receive half the funds raised, with the remaining half distributed to other local organisations.

 

Last year, the committee selected Burley Scout and Guide group as the primary beneficiary and, with record breaking numbers at the showground, gifted £7,500 towards new facilities for their hut. The remaining £7,500 was donated to other organisations including Martin House Hospice, Clark Foley and Ilkley Rugby club.

 

Bryan Collins, group chairman at Burley Scout and Guide group said: “The Burley-in-Wharfedale Scout and Guide Group is extremely grateful for the support of the Ilkley Carnival. The funds received have helped us build a greatly needed new Headquarters for our large and thriving Group of 14 active units of Scouts and Guides, from Rainbows and Beavers to Rangers and Explorers.

 

“The modern Scout & Guide training programmes are very broadly based and as well as traditional hiking and camping, youngsters are supported in their self-development and encouraged towards responsible citizenship with an inclusive outlook.  The new HQ will enable us more easily provide that experience. Many leaders and youngsters from the Group assisted at the carnival and greatly enjoyed the participation.”

 

Andrew added: “Last year saw our biggest parade ever, with more than 1,200 people taking part including local schools, playgroups, theatre groups and organisations marching through the centre of town. We are very lucky to have many volunteers from local organisations who help make the event happen, from setting up during the days before to taking down at the end of carnival day itself. The remaining 50% of the profits raised goes back to these groups because without their support, the carnival simply couldn’t happen.

 

“We would urge any local charities, schools, playgroups or organisations to apply to be the primary beneficiary as, not only does the larger donation mean we can help make a real difference, it also significantly increases their profile and raises awareness for the cause, helping socially as well as financially.”

 

Parties interested in applying for primary beneficiary status can do so online through the Ilkley Carnival website http://www.ilkleycarnival.org/ or by emailing Ilkley Carnival secretary Mari Hunt for an application form on carnisec@gmail.com. - the deadline for applications is Saturday 23 February 2019. Successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview on 4 March 2019.

 

If you are interested in sponsorship, advertising or simply volunteering your time, please contact Ilkley Carnival Chairman Andrew Stacey on 07951 890836 for more details.