Ilkley Carnival is inviting local groups and organisations to apply to be beneficiaries of the 2025 May Day bank holiday event.
One local group will have the chance to receive 50% of the profits from the spectacular family day on Monday 5 May 2025, with the remaining 50% distributed amongst other local good causes.
Ilkley Carnival donated just over £22k to local charities and organisations following the 2024 Mardi Gras-themed event, with £11k going to primary beneficiary AWARE – Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource.
Carnival chair Andrew Stacey says:
“In the last 11 years, Ilkley Carnival has raised more than £170k which has been donated to groups across our local community from youth organisations and sports clubs to those groups who provide extraordinary services to some of our most vulnerable residents.
“We are now looking for the group, the organisation or the charity that will be selected to receive the lion’s share of the 2025 funds. Applicants need to demonstrate where the money will go, how it will be used and what value they can bring to help us make 2025 the best Ilkley Carnival ever.”
Applications can be found on the Ilkley Carnival website and shortlisted organisations will be invited to interview at the Carnival’s headquarters on The Grove on Monday 13 January. As well as selecting a primary beneficiary for 2025, the application process helps the Ilkley Carnival committee to meet and connect with different local groups who also have the opportunity to benefit from and support the annual event.
Andrew added:
“Ilkley Carnival is by the community for the community and that’s why our beneficiaries are at the very heart of our event. We are looking forward to finding out more about the organisations that Ilkley Carnival can support through this all-important application process.”
Parties interested in applying for beneficiary status can do so online through the Ilkley Carnival website www.ilkleycarnival.org/primary-beneficiary/ or by emailing Ilkley Carnival secretary Mari Hunt for an application form on carnisec@gmail.com.
Deadline for applications is 31 December 2024 and successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview at 32-24 The Grove on the evening of 13 January 2025.
If you are interested in sponsorship, advertising or simply volunteering your time, please contact Ilkley Carnival Chairman Andrew Stacey on 07951 890836 for more details.

Rotary backs Nell Bank with £5k pond upgrade and appeal launch
Arrest warrant issued for disqualified Ilkley businessman alleged to be in induced coma
Larger venue needed for literary duo event
Dates confirmed for the 2026 Lexus Ilkley Open
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World" on our doorstep
Questions raised over Ilkley 20mph scheme validity
Passenger Transport Services (PTS) will not operate tomorrow due to weather warnings
Council launches major consultation on housing
Appeal after stolen van in Ilkley
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Ilkley
Acquisition will enhance Ilkley based SmartSearch services
New Cancer Support Group for Ilkley
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
Ilkley Colts stand out in new kit thanks to sponsors
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley
Entries to 2026 Ilkley Business Awards close on Friday
Help to navigating NHS and healthcare apps


