By Isle of Wight Observer
The streets of Shanklin were packed as the Carnival hit town on Wednesday night with singing and dancing adding to the merriment.
Delighted Carnival Chair, Den Lerner, said: “It went better than expected! It was bigger, with more people involved and we had more floats with theatre and dance companies to bring a really lovely atmosphere to the town.
“Among the musical displays were the Vectis Corps of Drums, FaT Samba, RAW Samba and the Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.
“We also gave out a float prize for the first time and this went to Newport’s ‘Cowboy Saloon’. We were also very proud of our own float entitled ‘Where the Rainbow End’ with four fairies surrounding a pot of gold.
“The event is not just for tourists but for everyone, although it was lovely to meet a couple from Sri Lanka who had heard about it and came along to watch.”
It follows a successful Children’s Carnival on Sunday with Den adding: “It was lovely. The children had lots of home-made costumes and they loved it, as did their proud parents and grandparents!”
The carnival atmosphere continues on Saturday with Shanklin hosting its Illuminated Carnival starting from Pophal Road in the Old Village at 9.15pm.
Then the party moves on to Ventnor next Wednesday with a double helping as the Children’s Carnival moves off at noon from Dudley Road, followed by the Main Carnival at 7pm.
This year marks the centenary of the town crowning its first carnival king in 1926 – Mr Frank King with his queen Muriel Burge.
The king was scrapped in the 1930s but Carnival Chair, Teresa Preston, said: “We are very excited to welcome Blake Leyman Gulliver as senior King to represent Ventnor 100 years later and he will be accompanied by junior queen Myla May Edwards.
“Our week kicks off with a community fayre on Saturday from noon, with lots of stalls, live music and a dedicated children’s area led by Caulkhead productions.
“There are lots of activities and events for the entire week, including Monday’s kid’s competitions, Tuesday’s dog show, Friday’s treasure hunt and an art exhibition next Saturday. The week ends next Saturday (August 15) with our illuminated parade starting at 9pm.
“Throughout the week we will be celebrating the Art Deco era and our beloved Winter Gardens.”
Tilly Walder