By Isle of Wight Observer
A Wild West show burst into Newport on Saturday evening, as the town celebrated its annual carnival along with thousands of spectators.
There was colour, music, and community spirit on display, along with the floats, with this year’s theme being Country and Western, and featured a tradition Saloon Bar float.
Starting from South Street , the procession worked its way through the town via Node Hill, Trafalgar Road, Carisbrooke Road, Newport High Street, and Quay Street, before finishing at The Quay.
High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley, started the event, saying: “What an amazing atmosphere and we all need a lot more cheer in our lives. So let’s experience this goodness and cheer on the people who have made it happen.”
The national anthem was played before the carnival began. There were royalty floats from Sandown, Ventnor, East Cowes, Shanklin, and Ryde, along with Newport. While there was music, fun, and dancing from Carni Beats, the New Carnival Company, Medina and Wight Diamonds Marching Bands, Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, Vectis Corps of Drums, Wight Diamonds, FaT Samba, Raw Samba, and a visit from Littlehampton Bonfire Society Limited.
Also on display were other crowd favourites, including emergency service vehicles, tractors, HGVs, classic cars, school groups, and community clubs.
An organiser said: “It was another unforgettable evening; thank you to all who attended and to all our volunteers.” Newport’s Illuminated Carnival Procession returns on August 20.
Mal Butler