Newport Carnival will offer something a little bit special this summer – thanks to a donation from Southern Vectis’ Community Fund.
The town’s carnival is celebrating 100 years in 2022, and its committee applied to the bus operator’s Community Fund to help mark the impressive milestone in style.
Paddy McHugh, the vice-chairman, speaking on behalf of Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, said:
“We are proud of our close-knit community here in Newport, and we’re very keen to involve many more schools, community groups and local bands to make summer 2022 special here,”
“The past couple of years have been a real challenge for us all, so we now have the perfect opportunity to put that all behind us and enjoy everything this town has to offer. Although we’re very much keeping everything under our hat, to give people a lovely surprise, I can reveal that the carnival theme will give a nod to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“The money we are receiving from Southern Vectis will make a difference in our bid to make this year’s carnival the best ever – so we’re very grateful for this gesture.”
Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager, added:
“Southern Vectis provides comprehensive bus services here in Newport and across the Isle of Wight – both for the public and for local schools – so we’re very proud to be an established part of the community.
“Our fund is designed to support those living in areas where we operate, and this is an excellent example of that. We can’t wait to see the colourful transformation for the carnival – and hopefully the sun will shine for us this summer too.”
This year’s main Newport Carnival will take place on Saturday 23 July at 7pm, with the illuminated event planned for Thursday 25 August at 9pm.
The Southern Vectis Community Fund is open to applicants twice a year, during May and November where Southern Vectis will fund or support good causes up to the value of £500. To apply for the operator’s May 2022 allocation, groups should visit Southern Vectis’ website and provide details about their cause, what they need, and the difference this support might make to their organisation.