Newport Illuminated Carnival is set to welcome back one of Europe’s leading carnival companies later this month, with Shademakers UK bringing the first chapter of their brand-new ‘Danse Macabre’ story to the streets of Newport.
Shademakers UK will return to Newport Illuminated Carnival on 20th August, bringing their spectacular production ‘Danse Macabre – The Fool’ to the streets of Newport for what promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s illuminated procession.
The production forms part of a brand-new Danse Macabre series, with Newport becoming the first chapter in the story as Shademakers begin their strange and twisted adventure across the Island’s carnivals.
Shademakers UK describe the production:
“Newport’s cards have been dealt, and the Wise Old Woman has given you ‘The Fool’. Harlequino and his band of circus oddities will be parading through the streets as they play their twisted games.”
Lily George, Choreographer, said:
“We are devilishly delighted to be bringing the haunting tale of Danse Macabre to Island Carnivals this summer and kicking off with the first part of our story at Newport Illuminated. Make sure you follow our strange adventure as we take to the streets this summer to see the whole piece take place.”
Shademakers are based on the Isle of Wight and have become well known for their spectacular productions, making their return to the Island’s carnival season a particularly exciting addition to this year’s events as one of Europe’s top Carnival companies.
Shane Thornton, Newport Carnival Chair, said:
“It’s great to be welcoming Shademakers UK back to Newport Carnival after a little break, and even more exciting that Newport is the first chapter of their new Danse Macabre story.
“We’re also delighted to welcome back all the usual carnival favourites, and to have Shademakers involved in the Isle of Wight carnival season. It’s exactly the sort of addition we want to bring to Newport Carnival, and we’re incredibly grateful to Newport Craft Market for their £1,000 donation last year, which has helped make this possible.”
The return of Shademakers has been made possible in part thanks to the generous £1,000 donation from Newport Craft Market, received by the carnival last year. The donation has helped fund this exciting addition to the procession and demonstrates the important role local organisations play in supporting Newport Carnival.
Another highlight of this year’s Newport Main Carnival was the first appearance of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service in the Newport procession. Their participation was warmly welcomed by crowds and proved to be a fantastic addition to the carnival.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service is due to return for the Illuminated Carnival, alongside other emergency services.
The carnival committee is delighted to see emergency service personnel supporting the event, and believes their involvement is a great reflection of the pride they have in serving the Isle of Wight community.
Newport Illuminated Carnival will take place on 20th August, with the procession moving off from Church Litten at 21:00.
Those wishing to take part are asked to form up from 19:00, with judging taking place from 20:00.
The carnival is expected to bring all the familiar sights and sounds back to Newport, with illuminated floats, walking entries, vehicles, music, costumes, performers and plenty of carnival atmosphere filling the town centre.
Reminding the public that events of this scale come with high costs, the carnival committee has said that alongside the cost of bringing specialist performers such as Shademakers to the carnival, the committee has to cover marching and samba bands, public liability insurance, float construction and materials, storage, transport and a wide range of other essential event costs.
Newport Carnival relies heavily on the generosity of local businesses, organisations and the public to help meet these costs, alongside donations collected from the crowds during the processions.
At this year’s Newport Main Carnival, the collection buckets raised an incredible £1,241.84, and the committee would like to thank everyone who contributed.
Shane Thornton added:
“The amount raised at our Main Carnival was fantastic and shows just how much people value carnival. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us keep these events going.
“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who puts money into our collection buckets, as well as the businesses and organisations who support us throughout the year. Without that support, it simply wouldn’t be possible to put on carnivals of this scale.
“We hope to see another fantastic crowd in Newport on Thursday 20 August. Come along, line the streets, support the entries and enjoy the spectacle.”
Further information, including how to take part, the carnival route and event details, can be found at newportcarnival.com/illuminated.
