PHOTOS: NEWPORT BEGINS ISLE OF WIGHT CARNIVAL SEASON WITH BANG DESPITE THE DRIZZLE

Persistent rain could not prevent hundreds if not thousands of spectators from enjoying this year’s County Town carnival parade. Sadly, inclement weather had put paid to last year’s parade, which made organisers even more determined to put on a show this year. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Island residents – from toddlers to pensioners –  lined the streets of Newport as the carnival wound its way through the streets. Happily, the rain abated shortly before the 19:00 South Street start. The procession then made its its way through South Street, Town Lane, Upper St James’s Street, Trafalgar Road, Carisbrooke Road, High Street before ending up in Quay Street. There was plenty for the crowds to take in and enjoy. The parade was headed by 4 vintage American police cars, which had travelled over from the mainland. The usual Island favourites, such as Medina Marching Band, Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, Vectis Corps of Drums, and FaT Samba also participated, together with vintage vehicles and a varied collection of tractors. Newport Carnival have said:

“It may have rained, we may have got a bit twitchy keeping an eye on the weather forecasts. We made a decision at 2pm to go ahead regardless having got a detailed weather report from Jamie at IW Met Service, and we’re so glad we did! “The rain stopped just before 19:00, and it was on our side for the whole carnival. We’re so lucky, and so grateful to each and everyone of you who came and lined the streets to support us on this wet July’s evening. “And a massive thank you to all the floats, walkers, dancers, bands, cars, tractors who took part. Thank you to Island Roads and Southern Vectis for working with us again this year, and the slight route change at the end. It all went very well. “Thank you so much, we made the right call for sure.”

The carnival will return to Newport next month for the Illuminated Procession at 21:00 on 22nd August.

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