For the second successive year the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is to sponsor the Best Float category in the Douglas Carnival.

The company is providing three cash prizes: first place ?500: runner-up ?300; and third place ?200.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Last year’s carnival was a great success, despite the weather, and the Council and Douglas Development Partnership are to be congratulated for reviving this great all-island community event.

‘In 2014 we were delighted to have sponsored the Best Float category; everyone really entered into the spirit of the occasion with tremendous enthusiasm and imagination, so we’re pleased to be continuing our sponsorship this year. We are really looking forward to seeing what I’m sure will be some truly amazing entries.’

Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley said: ‘We are very grateful to the Steam Packet Company for their continued sponsorship of the Best Float, a category that clearly inspired exceptional creativity last year. To have support from one of the Island’s leading companies lends an added seal of approval to the carnival, an event which is bringing together the island’s business, retail and third sector communities to ensure this year’s Douglas Carnival will be bigger and better…and hopefully drier.’

Entries and sponsorship opportunities are still welcomed.

To find out more contact Michelle O’Malley, MOMalley@douglas.gov.im, 696304 or visit www.douglascarnival.im.