ILKLEY Carnival is inviting local groups and organisations to apply to be the 2020 primary beneficiary.

One group has the chance to receive 50 per cent of the profits from this year’s environmentally themed event on Sunday, May 3, with the remaining 50 per cent distributed amongst other good causes.

Carnival Treasurer Colin Williams said: “Previous primary beneficiaries have received as much as £8,600 to help improve lives within the local community. Thanks to our sponsors such as High Speed Training, who effectively underwrite some of the annual cost of over £20,000 for putting on the event, the Carnival is able to provide both a family fun day and assist local good causes.”

Applicants need to demonstrate where the money will go, how it will be used and what value they can bring to the carnival. Last year the committee selected Ilkley Town Community Football Club as the primary beneficiary and gifted £7,000 toward the cost of upgrading existing facilities and providing a new covered stand for players and spectators. The remaining £7,000 profit was distributed amongst 19 other organisations including Ilkley Gym Club, Ilkley Rugby Club, Manorlands and the Clark Foley centre.

Richard Giles, chairman of Ilkley Town said: “We would like to thank Ilkley Carnival for their generous donation towards the cost of the new stand. The shelter the stand provides from the wind and rain makes watching football on the 4G pitch much better for parents and spectators. Already we are starting to attract more spectators. The U16’s girls played Bradford City last week with 80 spectators and the first team also attracted 60 for their game against Horbury Town.”

Ilkley Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey added: “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. Given this year’s theme of ‘Our Planet’, we would welcome applications which have a positive impact on the environment.”

Parties interested in applying for primary beneficiary status can do so online through the Ilkley Carnival website www.ilkleycarnival.org/beneficiaries/

where full details can be found under the ‘Beneficiaries’ section.

The closing date for applications is February18, 2020 and successful shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview shortly afterwards.