By Isle of Wight Observer
Thousands of people flocked to Sandown on Saturday to see the carnival season get kick-started with a spectacular main parade which rounded off a day of entertainment.
After the weekend’s disappointment, when bad weather forced the cancellation of Newport Carnival, Sandown led the way, with the popular Sandown Children’s Parade taking place in the morning, with the Main Carnival making its way through the town in the evening.
Carnival chairman, Paul Coueslant, said: “We were so lucky with the weather; it was one bright day in a series of iffy days. Because of that, thousands flocked to the town to join in the fun and the response we have had has been fantastic.
“We always see so many families and the community get involved. Stars of the parade were Shademakers UK, who looked fantastic in their costumes as usual, and recently-graduated Sandown fashion designer, Joel Lines, who made a giant puppet on his head which he operated with strings.”
As well as the two parades there was entertainment throughout the day, including Soundwaves Entertainment DJ Paul Holbrook, magic and comedy from Stevo and Kai and a big helping of reggae from Derek Sandy.
Did our photographers snap you at Sandown Carnival? Check out our gallery of fantastic photos at iow.life/sandowncarnival or use the QR code.
Mal Butler