The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is to be the exclusive sponsor of the 2016 Douglas Carnival the organiser, Douglas Town Centre Management, has confirmed.

The agreement will see the company sponsor every prize category in the carnival parade:

- Best Float ?250;
- Best Walking Group or Band ?250;
- People’s Choice ?250;
- Best Overall Entry ?250;
- Best Youth Group ?50;
- Best Charity Entry ?50;
- Best Corporate Entry ?50;
- Best Vehicle ?50;
- Best National Group ?50;
- Best Dancing Group ?50.

Regeneration and community committee chairman Councillor John Skinner said: ‘The Council has long been focused on building mutually beneficial links with the Island’s business sector, so we are delighted that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has agreed to be the exclusive sponsor of this year’s carnival. The company has been extremely supportive of the event in previous years, so for it to be sponsoring every category this year is a tremendous vote of confidence in the calibre of the event’s organisation and its wide-ranging community appeal.

‘This year’s carnival is all about the parade - the sights, the sounds and the colours – so thanks to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s generous support this year’s event looks set to be bigger, better and brighter than ever.’

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward added: ‘Since its return in 2014 Douglas Carnival has proved a huge success, with the imaginative floats creating a colourful celebration at the heart of the event’s party atmosphere.

‘After supporting the carnival for the past two years by sponsoring the Best Float category, we are proud to be the exclusive sponsor for the 2016 Douglas Carnival, and look forward to it being the best yet.’

The 2016 Douglas Carnival is on Sunday July 17, starting at 4pm.

To register and find out more about Douglas Carnival 2016, visit douglascarnival.im