Worthy causes can still benefit from Leighton-Linslade Carnival as the event goes online this Saturday.

Every year the town's showpiece event makes money for community groups, with around £6,000 dished out in 2019.

Despite the carnival being forced to go online this year due to Covid-19, organisers are hopeful the public will still put their hands in their pockets and give generously.

A Just Giving page has been set up where contributions can be made. See https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leighton-linslade-carnival?utm_term=b5krbVyea&fbclid=IwAR1xLU2t9okUFob43ncDcbNO_3IGg7ADdl51KrBEz-TZsBnVaYHHZq4BLwE Leighton-Linslade Carnival was due to take place on Saturday, July 11, with the theme of Animals.

Instead, clubs and organisations have been coming forward to perform in a virtual carnival arena on the same day following the cancellation of the usual event by submitting videos of themselves in action.

There will also be a virtual procession, with children having been asked to design a float on a lorry template which was distributed across the town in booklets and leaflets.

Carnival committee chairman Mark Freeman said: "The procession will look different, comprised of imaginative and colourful pictures on the theme of Animals designed by people of the town – mainly children but with some adults too.

"The arena will comprise a selection of film clips highlighting local groups including Glee Club, Little Luvvies, Harlequins, Advance Theatre Group, Brooklands School and many others. The timetable will be published on the carnival website www.leightoncarnival.co.uk and on the Virtual Carnival Facebook page.

We have about 16 groups saying they want to take part in the virtual arena. Float designs are still coming in too, they have until Thursday so we may well get some last minute ones.

"As the virtual event will not be money generated, we have decided to run a Just Giving page to try to raise funds to help groups in the town – having given as much as £6,000 to groups for many years they will miss out this year when many need it especially.

“Carnival will be a very different event this year. We have never attempted to run online before so if there are any glitches, please bear with us. It will run only on Facebook @leightonlinsladevirtualcarnival2020.

"We will open with a thought for those who have been directly affected by the Covid virus, especially those who are no longer with us to enjoy carnivals.

"There will be a video featuring images of carnivals past, to bring back memories of more normal times.

"I'm looking forward to an exciting carnival with no worries about the rain!”

> If you have any queries, send an email to [email protected] or see Facebook: @leightonlinsladevirtualcarnival2020