LAUNCESTON Carnival received some welcomed news recently when it was confirmed it had obtained the event’s first major sponsor.

‘Charlie Bears’, based at Pennygillam Industrial Estate, stepped forward and agreed to be the main sponsor of the 2016 event, which will take place on Saturday, October 8.

Carnival chairman Dave Gordon told the Post: “We can’t thank Charlie Bears enough for sponsoring this year’s carnival.

“Sponsorship has always been difficult to obtain for us, but with Charlie Bears’ support, we can really start working on this year’s event and produce the best carnival to date.”

Charlie Bears are manufacturers of collectable teddy bears and friends.

Another piece of good news for the carnival was the confirmation that Costa Coffee will once again sponsor the carnival royalty.

Plans are already in progress to book the visiting bands for the parade.

Mr Gordon added: “We have managed to secure a band from Bournemouth this year, who will really entertain the crowd. It is planned that this band will also perform in the town square during the afternoon at some point, and I urge people to come to the square to see them.”

Other plans are being made for entertainment on carnival day, to make an all-day carnival atmosphere in the square.

This year’s prospective royalty competition will take place on Friday, July 22, at the White Hart Hotel Ballroom, with application forms available soon via the carnival website www.launceston-carnival.co.uk or from any committee member.

Anyone interested in joining the carnival committee is welcome to contact Dave Gordon on 01566 774706 for further details.