Sandown Carnival has reflected on a bumper 2022, the 1st season since the COVID-19 pandemic, admitting that ‘we couldn’t have hoped for a better year’.
In a hugely successful comeback year, Sandown Carnival’s 2022 events attracted at least 10,000 spectators, with close to another 1,000 people taking part in the town’s summer parades and Sandown Bay Regatta.
Presenting the annual report to the Carnival’s AGM, chair Paul Coueslant has said:
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better year after the pandemic forced us to cancel our entire 2020 and 2021 seasons. From 2022’s New Year Celebrations to our Main and Children’s Carnivals in July, followed by the Regatta and Sandown Illuminated Carnival in August, every one of last year’s events enjoyed good weather and fantastic public support.”
“Even better news, hundreds of participants of all ages couldn’t wait to get involved in Carnival again. We’re proud to be a platform for creativity and talent on the Island, offering opportunities for arts and community groups, local businesses and schools, and we look forward to doing the same again in 2023”.
One of Sandown’s creative parade entries came from eco-artist Glenn Martin, whose illuminated sculpture made from plastics found on local beaches won the Carnival’s Committee Choice Award, whilst the Sandown Carnival’s own dolphin-themed float was another award-winner at parades around the Island, bagging 3x First Place trophies as well as a prize for Best Constructed Entry.
A revamped Sandown Bay Regatta, organised by the Carnival for the first time, was one of the summer highlights. The event brought crowds flocking to the town’s seafront, where family entertainment included the return of a Punch and Judy show on the beach. There was also a busy Esplanade street market and a hotly contested Tug of War competition as well as the traditional Regatta fireworks finale.
The AGM learned it cost Sandown Carnival over £50,000 to put on its 2022 events, all free to the public.
Coueslant explained that the Carnival, a non-profit community group, could well face a more challenging time this year, he said:
“We depend heavily on public donations for everything we do and always aim to break even. In 2023, we know the financial situation for many – ourselves included – won’t be easy. But you can be sure Sandown Carnival will find a way to carry on entertaining the town and its visitors. Donations – however small – will always be welcome”.
well done to you all. more success to follow im sure.