THE Ilkley Carnival committee has announced four local schools will be the primary beneficiaries of this year’s fantasy and fiction themed event on Monday, May 4.

After an online application process and a shortlist of six presentations, the committee voted in favour of All Saints Primary School, Ben Rhydding Pre School Playgroup, Ilkley Pre School Playgroup and Ben Rhydding Primary School to be the joint ‘primary beneficiaries’ to ensure as many children as possible benefit from the proceeds of this year’s May Day Bank Holiday event.

Committee chairman Andrew Stacey acknowledged this was significant break from the traditional one primary beneficiary, but said the decision reflects the event’s core purpose of being for the good of the town.

“Selecting a primary beneficiary is always a difficult task but we do feel it is a worthwhile process to ensure that Ilkley Carnival makes a significant difference to one key ‘cause’ while still supporting other local groups and charities who help us deliver the quality event we all expect,” said Andrew.

“This year however, we received the most applications for funding that we’ve ever had from schools and playgroups and most of those were looking for donations to support improvements to their facilities – everything from better disabled facilities, extended working areas and improved playgrounds.

“It was impossible to choose one school or playgroup over the next so by pooling them together, as long as the carnival makes a good profit this year, we can give each one the funding they have asked for. This we feel is in the true spirit of Ilkley Carnival – supporting the community and, in this case, the next generation of young people in the town.”

Profits raised at the 2014 Ilkley Carnival topped £14,000 which allowed £7,000 to be donated to the special needs support group LS29. With main sponsor Kashmiri Aroma backing the carnival again this year, half of the profits will go to the ‘schools collective’ while the rest will be shared among those who volunteer on the day.

Andrew added: “There are so many fantastic local causes in Ilkley and we’d love for the carnival to support them all with a significant donation.

“With the support of local people who we would urge to not just watch the parade but to buy tickets and come to the showground, become a sponsor of part of the even, advertise in our programme or on the showground and join in this pivotal community event. With your support the carnival can do more good for more people every single year.”

For more information, go to ilkleycarnival.org or follow @IlkleyCarnival on Twitter and Facebook.