Newport Carnival has received a generous £1,000 donation from Newport Craft Market after being selected as the market’s 2025 charity fundraiser of the year.
The funds were handed over by market organiser Leah Tosdevin to Newport Carnival’s vice-chair, Helen Norsworthy, and chair, Shane Thornton, during the final Newport Craft Market of the year on Saturday (13th December). The presentation took place at the Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council’s Community Hub on 64 High Street, Newport, with other stall holders also in attendance for a group photo.
Leah Tosdevin, organiser of Newport Craft Market, has said:
“We would like to thank all our stall holders this year, and all our customers. 2025 has been an incredible year, finding a new home at Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council’s Community Hub.
“We have welcomed so many Isle of Wight crafters to join our community this year and look forward to seeing it grow in 2026. Presenting Newport Carnival with the money raised is an absolute pleasure. Keeping more local events happening in our community is so important to us.”
Shane Thornton, Chair of Newport Carnival, has said:
“On behalf of Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, I would like to thank Leah for choosing us as their charity of the year to help raise vital funds for our carnival and associated events.
“The carnival, like others around the Isle of Wight, relies heavily on the generosity of the public, businesses and community groups to raise funds that make our events possible each year. There is often a misconception about how much it costs to put on a carnival, with expenses including marching and samba bands, Shademakers UK, public liability insurance, float-building materials and storage, to name just a few.
“This donation will help ensure that next year’s carnival is just as successful as this year’s, with hopes that it can go towards funding some of the participants in one of our parades.”
Newport Craft Market will return next year with a new chosen charity. The indoor market continues to be a popular destination for craft lovers and is ideal to visit, whatever the weather.
