By Isle of Wight Observer
Sandown will be enjoying Easter Saturday fireworks following the cancellation of its New Year’s Day display due to high winds and rain.
“It was a big disappointment for everyone that we couldn’t stage the display at the start of January,” said carnival chairman, Paul Coueslant. “Since then, we’ve been working with Sandown Pier and fireworks company, Pains, to give Easter crowds the chance to enjoy the spectacular occasion we had planned.”
Renamed the Easter Firework Eggstravanganza, the display will now be fired from Sandown Pier at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 30.
The announcement comes as Sandown Carnival celebrates a “successful and groundbreaking year”. In the annual report to its AGM, the 135-year-old organisation says it has “forged new partnerships across the community, boosting participation at our events and adding to the entertainment we offer the town and its visitors”.
Among the year’s highlights was The Great Sandown Hat Revival, when thousands enjoyed a triumphant return of the town’s tradition of donning eccentric head-wear at Sandown Bay Regatta. The Carnival also staged the Regatta Dog Show for the first time.
The carnival committee is gearing up for 2024.
“We’re planning to build on last year’s successes, and hope for another bumper summer,” said Paul. The first step will be in March, when 8- to 17-year-olds will be invited to apply to join the 2024 Sandown Carnival float.
