Ilkley Carnival has raised £22k for local good causes thanks to a year of incredible community involvement and support for the 2024 Mardi Gras themed event.
A range of local organisations and groups will now benefit from this year’s profits including primary beneficiary AWARE – Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource, which received £11k from the event.
The charity, which was formed in 1999 and now has more than 1,000 members, will be using its share of the profits to fund a residential trip to build the confidence of young people.
AWARE volunteer Rachel Miller said: “We are absolutely delighted by the generosity of visitors to Ilkley Carnival, the sponsors and the committee who make this fantastic event happen and do so much good for our local community.
“This sort of a donation makes a very real difference to an organisation like ours and will help fund a residential trip which allows our children and young people to spend time away from their families in a safe, non-judgemental environment. This will be an incredible boost to their confidence, self-belief and development.”
Rachel added: “We can’t thank everyone enough for their support of the carnival which in turn supports not only our group, but the many other local charities and organisations who benefit from the funds raised.”
All profits raised from Ilkley Carnival go back into the community and the remaining funds will be divided between local organisations who actively support and help at the annual event.
Ilkley Carnival 2024 was made possible this year with sponsorship and support from local organisations including primary sponsor Ilkley BID, Bradford Grammar School and SD Property Group.
Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Manager of Ilkley BID, said: “We were incredibly proud to once again sponsor the Ilkley Carnival, and we are thrilled to see that it has raised so much money for worthy local causes.
"The Carnival is so important for our town and our local economy We are very aware that so many businesses get involved and we wanted to maximise this by offering BID support to help ensure it continues to be the event we all know and love and to spread the word about our Discover Ilkley website as the place to go to find out everything Ilkley has to offer. We’re delighted to have played a part in an event which brings benefits that go far beyond just one day, for our fabulous community.”
Ilkley Carnival chair Andrew Stacey added: “This year saw another incredible event for the community with £22k raised. Since 2012 we have now distributed almost £150k to local groups and organisations and I want to say a huge thank you again to our sponsors and to everyone who came along, donated and joined us on the showground where those all-important entry tickets make up a huge part of the funds raised.
“Planning is already underway for the 2025 Ilkley Carnival and we are keen to hear from anyone who would like to support, sponsor and be a part of something quite magical for our community!”
For business sponsorship opportunities contact advertising@ilkleycarnival.org or if you would like to join the Ilkley Carnival committee please contact Andrew Stacey directly on chair@ilkleycarnival.org
For more information on Ilkley Carnival visit the website www.ilkleycarnival.org