Ilkley Carnival has raised just over £24k for local good causes thanks to a year of incredible community involvement and support for the 2023 Coronation themed event.
A range of local organisations and groups will now benefit from this year’s profits including Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society and Ben Rhydding Scouts and Guides.
The theatre group, which for 100 years has nurtured and showcased the talents of generations of local children, teenagers and adults, will use its donation to help refurbish its rehearsal premises, “Operatic House”, based at All Saints Church Institute on Leeds Road.
Home to weekly rehearsals and utilised for wider group use including Outside The Box, Ilkley Pride and the Ilkley Climate Change Group, the Grade II listed property needs significant structural repairs to ensure its continued role as a hub for local community activities.
Ted Killan of the Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society said: “IAOS is grateful beyond words to receive funding from Ilkley Carnival. We will use this to repair a dry-rot infestation at Operatic House, to ensure the building continues to be a home for a huge range of community groups accessed by the people of Ilkley and beyond.”
The remaining funds will be divided between Ben Rhydding Scouts and Guides to support its 75th anniversary of links with The Hague and other local groups who actively support and help at the annual event.
All profits raised from Ilkley Carnival go back into the community and the event was made possible this year with sponsorship and support from local organisations including primary sponsor High Speed Training, Ilkley BID, Bradford Grammar School, Aireborough Skip Hire and Mayfield View Ilkley.
Carole Urey, CEO of High Speed Training, 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.
"High Speed Training has been based in Ilkley for over 15 years, and so many of our staff call this part of the world home. The Carnival is so important for our town, and we are grateful that we could play a part in what was a great day for all involved."
Ilkley Carnival chair Andrew Stacey added: “This year saw another incredible event for the community with £24,250 raised. Since 2012 we have distributed over £125k 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 2024 Ilkley Carnival and we are keen to hear from anyone who would like to join our committee to help us deliver another fantastic family and fundraising event next year – please do get in touch if you’d like to be a part of the team which creates an event that makes a difference to our local area.”
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 on www.ilkleycarnival.org.
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