The strength in depth of the Isle of Wight carnival scene was demonstrated when the island’s floats swept the board at the Littlehampton Bonfire Society’s 70th anniversary parade on Saturday.
Newport Carnival, in its centenary year, walked away with the winners’ trophy with Ryde Royalty second and Ventnor Royalty third.
Paddy McHugh, chairman of Newport Carnival, said: “We thought we’d go as we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year and it would be a good end to 2022.
“Shane Thornton from Whitwell, who joined Newport Carnival in 2021 as Networks and Social Media Manager, has also taken up the position as our full-time driver and we couldn’t thank him enough for again giving up his time to be with us and take the cruise to Littlehampton.
“The weather was so mild and the streets were packed with people.
The icing on the cake was that the Newport kingdom came first out of 27 lit entries with Ryde second and Ventnor third.
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Paddy said to see all three Island floats in the top three was amazing.
He added: “We would like to thank Alpha Taxis and Wightlink Ferries for their support in getting us there and back.
“It was also great that the Medina Marching Band was there too, so the island was very well represented.”
The final thing for Newport this year is the Christmas Parade, coinciding with Step into Christmas in Scarrots Lane on December 3.
Paddy said “We would like to thank all local businesses including the Isle of Wight County Press for your continued support”
