Newport’s Riverfest event, which attracts around 4,000 people annually, will return later this year but with new organisers.
Riverfest was launched by the Isle of Wight Council in 2008 but just 2 years later was taken over by The Footprint Trust. It has become the biggest free community event in Newport.
Due to the COVID pandemic, the event had to be cancelled in both 2020 and 2021. During this period The Footprint Trust’s main work, in promoting energy efficiency in homes and assisting Islanders in fuel poverty, grew substantially. With this in mind, the Trust has decided now is the time to hand Riverfest over to another organisation.
Newport Carnival & Community Events Association’s Committee has now taken over the running of Riverfest, which will return to Newport Quay on 14th May 2022.
Speaking on behalf of The Footprint Trust, Ray Harrington-Vail said;
“It has been a pleasure in seeing this event grow and achieve so much. We are very grateful to Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council for all their support over the years, and to the thousands of local people who have supported Riverfest.
“We are assisting the Carnival Committee during this transition and wish Paddy McHugh and his team every success as they take this event forward.”
Speaking for Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, Paddy McHugh Said;
“As soon as Newport was approached by The Footprint Trust, the committee were all too keen to take on such a long-standing popular event.
“Seeing as it is Newport Carnival’s 100th Anniversary this year, as well as being offered this fantastic event, the Committee felt it was time to change the Carnival’s name slightly to better reflect our identity and purpose.
“Newport Carnival’s umbrella name is now Newport Carnival & Community Events Association with the Carnival, Riverfest and other events running under this name”
Paddy goes on to say;
“I have personally helped The Footprint Trust over the past decade with the running of the event, and can see how valued it is to the local community.
“On behalf of Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, we thank Ray and his team for allowing us to hopefully continue Riverfest how it used to be like it was prior to the 2-year break as a result of the pandemic.”
To find out more about Riverfest, or to get in touch with organisers, email https://riverfest.org.uk.
