Riverfest draws the crowds

Fantastic sunny weather ensured thousands of people flocked to Newport Quay on Saturday for the free Riverfest festival.

There were long queues at food stalls and ice cream vans, charities and voluntary groups raised awareness of the work they do along with much-needed funds and there was a wide variety of entertainment laid on. Children were spellbound by Island entertainer, David Randini, and there was music, singing and dancing for everybody to enjoy, including the Medina Marching Band, the Vectis Corps of Drums and the Eye of the Dawn troupe of belly dancers.

A display of vintage vehicles and steam engines brought back fond memories for many people, with a selection of large American cars attracting many admiring fans.

Visitors were welcomed to the event by Nicholas Pointing’s fabulous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica while Dr Who fans admired the Tardis, disguised as a plain old police phone box. However, it’s a police phone box with a secret, as every Do Who has signed inside it on the wall.

Viking battle reenactments were a popular draw, as was finance firm Cherry Godfrey’s homemade chicken and prawn Jambalaya cooked in an enormous pan to raise funds for Mountbatten. Managing director, Andrew Tapsell, said: “Cherry Godfrey were really proud to have taken part in this year’s Riverfest event, raising crucial funds and awareness for Mountbatten Hospice which is a charity close to many of our hearts.

“It is likely that we have all known – or known of – somebody who has benefited from their compassionate and first-class end-of-life care and bereavement support.”

The event was sponsored by Cherry Godfrey and Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council. It was organised by Newport Carnival Committee for the first time this year. Previously it was put on by Island energy saving charity, The Footprint Trust.