VOLUNTEERS behind Thornbury Carnival have thanked the community for their support after thousands enjoyed the much-loved event this summer.
Organisers have also revealed for the first time the challenges they have previously faced when putting on such a big event.
More than 4,500 people joined in the festivities over the weekend on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1 at Mundy Playing Fields with live music and community activities.
The festival committee has already met to consider how they can improve the event for next year.
Organisers have announced this year's festival made around £5,000 in profit, the first financial surplus in six years.
Thornbury Carnival Community Interest Company is run by a small group of volunteers who plan the event over the course of a year.
Prior to the pandemic, the event was facing mounting financial difficulties.
Liam Williams, chair of Thornbury Carnival CIC said: “Without the support of the Friends of Thornbury Carnival charity, the event would have ended before the pandemic struck.
"It most certainly would not have been possible to bring the event back in 2022 without them.
READ MORE: 45 brilliant pictures of Thornbury Carnival
“As a charity they remain strong supporters of Thornbury Carnival and I know they would welcome any new corporate donations.
“A Community Interest Company has to meet all of the same requirements as any other business, and we knew that a further year of loss would mean we would have to consider closing the company.
“Having made our first surplus in six years is testament to the hard work of all the volunteers who make the carnival happen, those on the committee and the many who came along over the five days we are on site setting up, running and taking down the event.
“We have no other motivation than to create an event that brings our community together and we are so pleased we can continue doing this.”
Around 100 free festival tickets were provided to Thornbury Food Bank to disadvantaged families along with food and drink vouchers sponsored by Easter Compton Farm Shop for this year’s event.
Thornbury Carnival's charitable partners this year were Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.
This year's event raised £157.49 for a new maternity bag, and over 100 people were trained to use a specialist defibrillator.
Thornbury Carnival would also like to thank Thornbury Town Council for their consistent support.
Next year’s event will take place over the weekend commencing Friday July 5, 2024.
To get involved with Thornbury Carnival visit www.thornburycarnival.co.uk or contact Liam Williams directly on chair@thornburycarnivall.co.uk
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