By Isle of Wight Observer
Sandown will launch this year’s Island carnival season tomorrow (Saturday), with the first of five weeks of colourful parades, floats and marching bands taking place across the summer.
The town’s main carnival begins at 7pm and will follow a route through the High Street and surrounding roads, starting near the library. Organisers are encouraging spectators to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Earlier in the day, the children’s carnival sets off from the Pier at 11am, ending at Sandham Gardens, where family-friendly entertainment will be provided by Stevo & Kai and Soundwaves Entertainment. Full route details for both parades are available via the carnival map.
This year’s schedule includes main parades in East Cowes, Newport, Shanklin, Ventnor, St Helens and Ryde, with festivities continuing until the end of August. Many of the Island’s carnivals are among the oldest in the country, with roots stretching back to the Victorian era.
Sandown Carnival chairman, Paul Coueslant, said: “We can’t wait to welcome people to Sandown on Saturday. The town has been putting on carnivals since 1889 and there’s always excitement when the summer parades draw near.
“We’re pleased to make all our events free to watch, but they do cost money to put on, so we welcome cash donations on the day or on-line at sandowncarnival.com/donate. But most of all, we hope everyone watching and taking part has a lot of fun.”