UPDATED: Following the devastating loss of all the carnival floats and equipment during yesterday’s fire, Minus7, an Island-based renewable technology company, has responded with a donation of £250 towards replacing Cowes Carnival Fund assets.
Volunteers for the charity were brought to tears yesterday afternoon when floats, costumes and everything needed to put the town’s carnival together were involved in the large blaze that ripped through industrial units off Bridge Road.
The full extent of the damage is not yet known as firefighters continue to damp down the area, however it is thought the unit was completely engulfed.
Those working within the building at the time evacuated after realising the roof had caught alight, leaving a brand new float behind and so much more.
In a statement issued on their Facebook page, the Cowes Carnival committee have said:
“The fire started in the unit right behind us so our unit did not stand a chance. We did not just lose a float. We lost tools that had been collected for 15 years. Boat batteries that run our electrics. Chairs. Lighting. Trailers. The list goes on and on. Yes insurance will pay out but it could take months of investigation.
“Are we going to give up in our 120th year? The answer is NO.
“What we need desperately is a new home for a float that Beds R Us have so generously said they will provide for us. It will be serious hard work for all our committee but we are determined there will be a carnival this year and a new Cowes Float will lead our processions.
Article continues below this advertisement “Thank you everybody from the bottom of our hearts”.
Speaking on behalf of Minus7 – based in Clarence Boatyard, East Cowes – Hamish Wilson, CEO commented:
“Cowes Carnival is part of the rich fabric of life here in Cowes. It passes our house every year, and is always a highlight, and to hear of such a loss in their 120th year is something we could not ignore. We very much appreciate being part of – and want to support – the Cowes community, and hope that our response to this tragic event will be mirrored by other local companies”.
A spokesman for Cowes Carnival said they were overwhelmed by the news, and value the immediacy of the response and support of the local community to their loss.
Featured photograph thanks to Wight Drone
