Carnival organisers are urging people to help local good causes and not avoid paying for entry.

Thousands of pounds have been lost during the past few years at Ilkley Carnival with people sneaking onto the carnival field without paying, according to the organising committee.

Organisers are hoping for the “biggest and best” carnival yet on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, and are pleading with people to consider the impact of avoiding the entry fee.

While the 2010 Ilkley Carnival was the first in the town’s history to make no profit for community funds, around £4,000 was made last year.

Committee chairman Andrew Stacey hopes the committee’s efforts and the support of businesses, residents and visitors will raise more than £10,000 for local causes this year.

“Ilkley Carnival was established to raise funds for social projects to benefit generations of schoolchildren, families and visitors,” he said. “In just 15 years around £80,000 has been raised and ploughed back into our community, which brings added tourism into the town, benefits the local economy and contributes to an environment that we’re all delighted to be a part of.

“The impact on funds raised by not paying for a ticket now or on the day is devastating for the success of the event and impacts on what we can do for future generations.” Since the carnival started, funds have contributed towards the building of The Grove’s bandstand, swimming equipment at the Lido and supported groups such as Ben Rhydding Sports Club, Christchurch Soroptimists, Olicanian Cricket Club and Ilkley Rugby Club.

This year’s event includes an under- 9s football tournament, a martial arts demonstration by the Taerigi-Do group, Hospitality Olympics organised by Ilkley’s pubs and hotels and a falconry and lurchers display.

Committee members will be selling cut-price tickets on the Grove in Ilkley on Saturday. They are also available from Top Marks, Shoe Bee Doo and Ilkley Tourist Information Centre. Online orders via ilkleycarnival.org will be taken until lunchtime on Thursday.