Strong crowds turned out to enjoy a true Bank Holiday Monday tradition yesterday – St Helens Sports and Carnival!
A day of fun and sport on the Green was rounded off by the annual carnival procession, with conditions staying dry for the gathering of floats and individual entries – unlike some other carnivals in 2023.
As always scores of spectators gathered around St Helens Green as the carnival travelled the short journey from Carpenters Road and along Upper Green Road, before circumnavigating the Green itself to end alongside the funfair. Although short, St Helens Carnival is always well supported and accompanies the other activities taking place, including the travelling funfair.
Unfortunately, the village played host to just a few small children’s rides this year as the sodden grass was too soft for the funfair’s largest rides, such as Twister. It certainly gave the Bank Holiday Weekend a different feel.
Judges marvelled at the different floats lined up before they moved off and this year awarded Sandown Carnival Queens 1st place, with Ventnor clinching 2nd and Ryde a respectable 3rd.
The carnival was led by Medina Marching Band who played many a upbeat tune, with a prolonged stop outside The Vine pub where the majority of the crowds had gathered.
Sandown Illuminated Carnival takes place on Wednesday night (20:30 move off), followed by Ryde Main Carnival on Thursday (18:30 move off). The season is brought to a close with Ryde’s Illuminated Carnival on Saturday (20:30 move off).
