Newport Carnival has announced the cancellation of their 2023’s main carnival procession and daytime entertainment in light of the forecasted adverse weather tomorrow (Saturday).
There was going to be a whole host of entertainment throughout the day with their headline hit, Granny Turismo, a social media sensation that has become viewed in the millions.
The carnival day celebrations were also going to include various bands including The Wight Diamonds, Fat Samba, Medina Marching Band, Vectis Corp of Drums, Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, and Reading Pipes and Drums. There were going to many talented local musicians, and magicians along with community groups, schools, local businesses and more all getting involved.
Newport Carnival has been monitoring local forecasts for the majority of the week, waiting in the hope that the weather front that is expected throughout the day on Saturday before becoming wet and windy in the evening, would pass without affecting us.
Sadly, the committee have had to listen to the professionals and with IW Met Service’s weather warnings issues last night, it was decided this morning to cancel all the events that were due to take place tomorrow.
Paddy McHugh, Chairman of Newport Carnival has said in a statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that we as Newport Carnival have had to make the awful decision to cancel our 101st-year main carnival.
“This includes the daytime entertainment in St Thomas Square.
“It is one of the hardest decisions to make as an event organiser, there are so many people that we have to call and tell.
“We are forever grateful to everyone and all the local businesses around town who support us each year.
“My stomach at the moment is like a washing machine, I personally feel I am letting my home town down along with my amazing team at Newport.
“We will put something together for our Illuminated Carnival on Thursday 24th August and make a day of it.
“Granny Turismo will now be doing pre-entertainment at Jay Miller’s Circus at Whippingham from 18:00, so if you still want to see this fantastic act, then get booking with Jay Miller Circus and don’t be disappointed.
“This is a one-off performance funded by Newport Carnival. We thank Jay Miller Circus’ team for working with us during this difficult time.
“Thank you to all the community groups, schools and bands that were taking part in tomorrow’s parade.
“Health and safety is paramount and the welfare of the young people taking part is what forced our hands.”
Newport Carnival hopes to see everyone planning to support their main carnival at all the other carnivals scheduled to take place this carnival with the next carnival being Sandown Main on Saturday 29th July.
Newport Illuminated Carnival will take place at 21:00 on Thursday 24th August 2023.
You can find out more about Newport Carnival at newportcarnival.com