Newport Carnival would like to wish all our supporters the very best Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2024, like most, has been a challenging year for many, Newport wasn’t an exception. We had some logistical issues which raised their heads over the year, but we managed to push on and overcome them. The weather was hit-and-miss, to say the least.
Car boot sales were down by over half due to the adverse weather we experienced over the season, and donations raised were well below average.
We helped our good friends at Sandown Carnival with their Easter fireworks display following their postponement from the New Year due to the weather.
Riverfest was our best to date, bigger and better than ever. That would not have been possible without the fantastic team behind it who made it happen. Traders, entertainment and more. BBC children’s entertainer Gemma Hunt from Swashbuckle joined us, with plans to bring another great entertainer to the Island in 2025.
Kicking off the carnival season with our Main procession brought its doubts, the rain fell most of the day, and the evening was not much better. We did not want a repeat of the previous year and cancelled carnivals, so, we pressed on. Thankfully, the heavy rain held off long enough to put on a procession.
We supported Sandown once again with their Regatta and fireworks.
Midseason we were invited to Jay Miller’s Circus where the whole committee and Royalty team were amazed by their performance. It was a night to remember.
Or Illuminated carnival, just like our main was wet, which seems to be a trend with Newport this year rain, rain and more rain! However, once again we pressed on. We are thankful for everyone who came and supported those events.
In September we supported the Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show, another great event we’re happy to see back in Newport despite the rain!
A few weeks later we made a trip to Ringwood Carnival where several of us stewarded for them, learnt how other carnivals do things differently and gave our feedback on our visit. It was a great day out for all.
The tradition of going over and supporting Littlehampton Bonfire Society Limited, who come and support our carnivals, was fulfilled once again. Newport, along with Sandown, Ryde and Ventnor travelled to the mainland to participate in their parade.
With Christmas approaching, plans were underway for our Christmas Parade, which, sadly was postponed due to the weather. The date was moved to two weeks later, despite the rain, we did press on, and the support we received was amazing. Christmas parades are usually quieter than the main carnivals, but despite that, it was still a good turnout.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a very wet year, but the support from everyone has been phenomenal.
There are too many people to mention but to name a few who have stood out this year (apologies if we forgot to mention you, its nothing personal, just getting forgetful!)
A huge heartwarming thank you goes to:
- Carnival committees Sandown, Ryde, Ventnor, St Helens & Shanklin.
- Isle of Wight Round Table.
- Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show.
- The Plaza Ices for supporting our car boots, Riverfest, carnivals and other events.
- Taste Buddies for supporting our car boots, Riverfest and other events.
- Michael Dangerfield of Wight Productions – Videographer & Photographer & Maurice Gilliam for videoing our carnivals.
- Island Echo, Isle of Wight County Press, Isle of Wight Observer, On The Wight, Isle of Wight Radio & BBC Radio Solent for promoting our events.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Newport Fire Station, Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Isle of Wight Search and Rescue.
- ACE WASTE
- NDL Event Power Solutions.
- STUBBINGS BROS LTD for supplying their vehicle for us to tow our float throughout the summer season.
- Isle of Wight Young Farmers Club who are always eager to get involved.
- Ringwood Carnival for inviting us over to join them for their carnivals.
- Littlehampton Bonfire Society Limited for coming to our carnivals.
- Medina Marching Band IW, Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Wight Diamonds Marching Band, The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, Reading Scottish Pipe Band, FaT Samba and RaW Samba for all providing us with great music.
- Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferry and Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries for supporting with ferry travel and funding.
- Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Cherry Godfrey Group, Newport Business Association, Jewson, isleofwight.com for the support.
- The Bargeman’s Rest for allowing us to have meetings at your establishment, and keeping us well-fed and topped up with drinks!
- Isle of Wight County Show Ground for the use of the ground for our car boot sales.
- Paul Bird Photography for capturing all of our carnival photos and creating memories.
- All the local schools and community groups come and take part.
- Island Roads, Isle of Wight Council, Southern Vectis – the island’s buses for all their support.
- Every single one of you who comes out and lines the streets to show your support to Newport, rain or shine and puts money in the buckets to help bring the carnivals to your streets for years to come!
- The Newport Carnival committee, the backbone of Newport, whom juggles their full-time jobs to volunteer and bring events to Newport.
- Paddy Mchugh, our ringleader, and the chair of Newport Carnival, without his drive and determination, Newport would not be as big as it is today.
Congratulations to Paddy for winning Red Funnel’s first Tourism Hero of the Year award in 2024!
PLUS everyone else we have forgotten, we hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.