Riverfest attracts lots of interest

Thousands of people attended Riverfest in Newport on Saturday with organiser, Paddy McHugh, describing the event as ‘absolutely insane!’

The Newport Carnival chairman said: “It was absolutely insane – in a good way! It far outweighed our expectations.

“We were expecting, maybe, 5,000-plus, but talking to our traders and looking at photos from the air, I reckon there were more than 7,000 at the event.”

Stalls were spread from the Riverside Centre down the River Medina almost to Seaclose Park. There was music and entertainment throughout the day, starting with a Pirates Parade and the Medina Marching Band from St Thomas’s Square.

Among the entertainment were the popular Gliding Pirates, who did three shows on their hoverboards during the afternoon.

The Vectis Corps of Drums were also in attendance, as was singer, Emily Wild, the Aspire Creative, David Randini and Huxley magicians, the Ceri Irish Dancers and Flash Kirby.

The event was run by Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, and was supported by the Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Cherry Godfrey and Red Funnel.
Around £1,500 was raised and the money will go towards putting on next year’s event.

To view more photos of the event please visit https://zenfolio.page.link/e2jv1