Thousands of people lined the streets of Newport last night (Thursday) for this year’s Newport Illuminated Carnival.
There was a bumper turnout for the event, which came following the disappointing cancellation of the main carnival in July due to the bad weather. Thankfully, it was a dry and pleasant evening for the illuminated procession, much to the relief of organisers.
The parade – which took over a full 40 minutes to pass – was headed up by Shademakers. The performers were placed at the front of the carnival to catch the dusk light.
Ventnor Comic Jazz Band broke with their tradition of only playing on a Saturday to join the illuminated procession, performing alongside Medina Marching Band, Vectis Corps of Drums, Island Highland Pipes & Drums, FAT Samba and Raw Samba.
The usual Queen’s floats from Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and St Helens also participated in the procession together with a selection of vintage and modern and farm vehicles.
Special tribute was paid at the start of the evening in loving memory of the Chair of Newport Carnival for some 20 years, June Winchcombe, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
If the League of Gentlemen did carnivals …
Literally terrifying
A local parade for local people?
Thousands?? Was there an official count.