Ilkley Carnival’s committee of volunteers has handed over £15k of profits from this year’s event to local community groups.
With £7,500 going towards the event’s primary beneficiaries the Burley Scout and Guide Group to purchase facilities for their new hut, the remaining £7,500 has been distributed between other local organisations including Ilkley Soroptimists, Martin House Hospice, Clarke Foley, Ilkley Gym Club and Ilkley Rugby Club.
Burley Scouts and Guides leader, Sue Vint, said: “We have been raising money to build our new hut since last year and it’s amazing to receive this donation from Ilkley Carnival, which will help us create a more engaging, learning and fun experience for our scouts and guides. We think it’s excellent that all local charities and organisations have the opportunity to apply for primary beneficiary status each year and feel so lucky to have been the choice of 2018.”
The carnival has now raised more than £84k for local good causes since 2012 and its primary beneficiaries have included and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Junior Harriers, local schools and Airedale & Wharfedale Autism Resource (AWARE).
Colin Williams, Ilkley Carnival committee member, said: “We were all absolutely delighted to present the Burley Scout and Guide Group with their cheque for £7,500 and to distribute additional funds to other local groups who provide us with invaluable support and resources in the run up to and on the day of Ilkley Carnival.
“This has been another fantastic year for the carnival and it wouldn’t be possibly without such fantastic local backing – it’s an absolute pleasure to be able to ensure those who support us so well reap some of the rewards from the day itself. We’re really looking forward to seeing, in particular, the completion of the Burley Scout and Guide Group’s building which we know has been in the making for several years and which, once complete and fully fitted out with the help of Ilkley Carnival funding, will be an invaluable resource for the whole community.”
More than 9,000 people flocked to the Ilkley Carnival showground this year and the TV-themed event saw record-breaking numbers in the most spectacular parade in the carnival’s history with more than 1,200 local children, groups, charities and businesses showing off their creative costumes through the town.
Colin Williams added: “We can’t thank the community enough for supporting Ilkley Carnival every year and for pushing the limits to help put on an excellent day for families and raise money for deserving causes. We’ve already had sponsorship enquiries for next year and we’d love to hear your theme suggestions on social media!”
