Around £17,000 will be donated to local groups and organisations following this year's Malmesbury Carnival.

Although the procession had to be cancelled, all other events went ahead as planned and charities and voluntary groups are now being invited to submit applications for funding.

Members of the Malmesbury Carnival committee wrote on open letter of thanks to the community for their support of this year's event.

"Without your interest, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved, 2021 would not have had such a successful outcome," they said.

"So many of you came forward to offer your skills, abilities, talents and experience without asking anything in return other than to be part of this wonderful town’s activities.

"As a result of such generosity, despite the very particular constraints of this year, Carnival was able to provide many different experiences in addition to those well-established events such as Petticoat Lane, Open Gardens and Music in the Cloisters.

"If you were one of those people who hosted an event for Carnival or provided entertainment at an event or who organised groups of other volunteers to support any of the events throughout August, please accept the committee's grateful thanks - Carnival could not happen without you.

"In addition, the committee is very grateful for the high level of financial and logistical support from across the spectrum of Malmesbury businesses; we were delighted to retain those that have sponsored Carnival for years, and to welcome new sponsors. Local businesses also donated all prizes for the raffle, so Carnival 2021 benefited enormously from your support.

"You will be pleased to know that through everyone’s generosity, the Carnival Charity will once again be able to donate to local charities and voluntary organisations and the Trustees are looking forward to receiving applications from the local community by the deadline of September 30."

Application forms are available at malmesburycarnival.co.uk

The committee added: "We were blessed with wonderful weather and massive support.

"We very much hope to be at least as successful next year and to bring back a bigger and better Procession. Roll on 2022!"