AS work continues for this year’s Otley Carnival, the committee is pleased to announce two sponsors.

Nigel Gill, chair of Otley Carnival, said: “Firstly, we would like to thank Otley Garden Centre (formerly Stephen H Smith Garden Centre) for sponsoring this year’s Carnival Stars Programme. This scheme was initiated by our much-loved and missed committee member Sarah Jackson, who we lost unexpectedly last year.

“This will be the second year on the programme, which was introduced in 2023, which encourages both girls and boys to enter and are great ambassadors for the carnival carrying out many appointments with bodies like Otley 2030, Otley Action for Older People, distributing hampers to the Leeds homeless and many more worthwhile organisations.

“Secondly, we would like to thank Dacre, Son and Hartley for sponsoring the children’s painting competition which is popular with many local schools getting involved. Children are encouraged to use their imagination and usually gives the judges a difficult decision to pick winners.

“If anyone is interested in joining our hardworking committee or just helping on carnival day, please email info@otleycarnival.co.uk.

"If there any other local businesses that would like to sponsor, please check the following link otleycarnival.co.uk/advertise-or-donate. Without donations we would not able put on this free event for the town.

“Contrary to belief Otley Carnival receives no money from Leeds City Council so relies on income like sponsorship, stall revenue, street bucket donations, etc.

“Additionally, if any bodies are wanting to get involved in the parade please email parade@otleycarnival.co.uk or alternatively wanting to book a stall for down at the carnival field, email stalls@otleycarnival.co.uk.”

Otley’s annual carnival is a celebration of the local community – families, schools, businesses and local organisations – all coming together for an extravaganza of family-friendly fun.

Carnival day this year is on Saturday, June 15.