By Isle of Wight Observer
St Helens has chosen its carnival royalty for the 2024 season.
Matilda Squibb was selected as carnival queen. She will be attended by Belle Delannoy, Emily Brewer-Smith and Clara Hughes.
The carnival season starts in Newport on Saturday, July 24, and St Helens will be holding their annual Village Sports and Carnival Parade on August Bank Holiday Monday, as well as participating in all the main and illuminated parades.
It is a special year for St Helens, as they are celebrating the 125th Anniversary of their sports day and carnival. The first event took place on September 16, 1899, and events such as the ‘Slow Bicycle Race for Ladies’, the ‘Bucket of Water Race’ and a ‘Bun Competition’ were featured in the programme. In the carnival parade that followed, prizes were awarded to the best costumes, including the ‘gentleman’s’ prize going to ‘Organ Grinder’, the girls prize to ‘Turkish girl’, and the ‘boys special’ prize going to ‘Tobacco’! It was reported that ‘Dancing and a confetti battle occupied the remainder of the evening.’
The organising committee are hoping to bring some elements of the 1899 celebrations to the 2024 Sports Day, and are organising additional events to mark the 125th anniversary. The team is also busy building a carnival float to mark the event.
The committee relies on volunteers to help with the work needed throughout the year. If anyone is interested in getting involved please contact the parish clerk, Jacky Matthews, on clerk@sthelensiw.org.uk.
Mal Butler