SINCE its creation nearly 100 years ago, Malmesbury Carnival has become an important part of the local community.

Although the committee had to take the difficult decision to abandon its planned carnival program for this year due to Covid-19, they were determined that Malmesbury would continue its great carnival tradition in 2020, even if the format had to change because of circumstance beyond their control.

The only time the carnival has not gone ahead was during WW2.

Malmesbury Virtual Carnival has attracted generous donations from many of the participants in events this year, which ranged from Virtual Open Gardens, to a Virtual Scarecrow Trail, informative talks by local historians by Zoom and YouTube, a great virtual gig by the Long Players and of course the Virtual Procession.

These events will be available to view on Malmesbury Carnival’s YouTube channel for some time yet for people to catch up.

Donations can also still be made via the website – malmesburycarnival.co.uk.

Last year, the carnival was able to fund 43 grants to local organisations to a total of very nearly £20,000.

While this year’s sum is not near that figure, the carnival committee is still able to make some grants this year, which has seen many local groups struggling to find funds.

The committee are offering a small number of grants, each to a maximum figure of £250 to help with what may be emergency situations.

Further conditions apply, and these are available on the application form available at malmesburycarnival.co.uk.

You can also email grants@malmesburycarnival.co.uk for a copy of the form.

The closing date for applications is October 7.