By Mal Butler
The Red Arrows gave their seal of approval to the 113th Yarmouth Carnival with a flyover midway through the street parade on Saturday.
The Vectis Corps of Drums led the floats, which featured pirates, all the fun of the circus and the pirate horses of Hill Farm, around the town.
Just as the floats paused to move through, the Red Arrows, followed shortly afterwards by two Spitfires, brought more cheers from the crowds.
High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard was on hand to judge the floats along with Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon as you have never seen her, swapping her official uniform for a clown costume as part of her family’s circus float.
Also in town was TV presenter Michael Portillo, who saw the fun, in between takes of filming an episode of Great British Railway Journeys, Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.
The new Spirit of Carnival was announced as Amalie Callendar, 12, of Totland, who takes over from Arthur Ward.
Results: Motorised Float: ‘Motorised Pirates (Leonard and Norris families); Groups on Foot: The Posh Lady Pirates; Children on Foot: Pied Pipers of Yar; Dinghies: The Owl and the Pussycat; Special Prize: Peter Pan and the Crocodile; Decorated Houses: McInnes Family; Best Pirate Display: Crackers About Alpacas.
Also on Saturday, the crowds were out in force again as Ventnor finished off its celebrations with its Illuminated Carnival.
Dance troupes, musicians and themed floats provided a kaleidoscope of colour and sound and Carnival chair, Teresa Preston, said: “We definitely had more floats this time around. The parade wound its way around the town, and as the first floats came back to the starting point, the last ones were starting off!
“Our train float was a big attraction and got a lot of praise, so it’s something we want to better next year; I’m already coming up with ideas.”
East Cowes Carnival returns for the first time in 30 years, tomorrow (Saturday), at 6.15 pm, with organiser, Jane Allchorn, promising: “It’s going to be a real community, family fun day and lots will be happening.
“We have live music and stalls on the Rec from 2.30pm and we will be doing a meal deal of a hot dog, chips and drink for £5 with other special offers for people to enjoy. We really hope lots of local people will come with their decorated prams, or even mobility scooters, just to take part in the parade.
“All the other carnival floats will be there and we have had great support from the town businesses who have suffered over the years as shops have closed. We want to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Live music includes: Dave Cotton, followed by East Cowes Shanty Singers, Creationz Dance Academy and a Kylie tribute.
Also, tomorrow is the Ryde Children’s Day, 11am-3pm and on Monday, St Helens Sports and Carnival takes place with celebrations on The Green throughout the day, with the main event starting at 6.30pm. On Wednesday, it’s the turn of the Sandown Illuminated Carnival at 8.30pm from Culver Parade, and on Thursday, the Ryde Carnival starts at 6.30pm from Ryde Esplanade.
Isle of Wight Observer