NEW funding and planning methods are being discussed by the organisers of Thornbury Carnival to help make it a sustainable event for the future.

A new sustainable funding concept was launched at a meeting, held in July, to discuss the future of the carnival, held at Thornbury Castle.

Amongst the attendees was a host of local businesses and people, including Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb.

David Goldring, carnival organiser, delivered a presentation on the need for stable and sufficient to enable better planning and future provision for the carnival.

Local businesses were then invited to become ‘Friends of Thornbury Carnival’ by agreeing to a three-year sponsorship programme beginning in October, this year.

Several firms have already agreed to join the programme including Thornbury Castle, Essilor, Berkeley Vale Motors, Horizon Nuclear Power and Almondsbury Garden Centre.

Friends of Thornbury Carnival will be listed on a Friends Board to be displayed in the town, in a Friends Directory and on the Carnival website and Programme.

Friends will also be invited to attended twice-yearly networking events as well as receive Thornbury Carnival newsletters.

Barry Williams, chairman of Thornbury Carnival, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to establish a link with local businesses and permit them to play a key role in an annual event which brings trade and tourism to the town.

"It also gives a higher profile to the Carnival, therefore multiplying the economic benefits and charitable donations. It is a win-win combination.”

Chris Saich, funding co-ordinator for the carnival, said: “Flexibility in terms of donations means both large and small organisations can participate. Also, we hope that some of our business Friends may be a source of volunteers who can help to stage the Carnival in the future.”