It was a day of joy, reuniting the community and remembering lost loved ones as the Pill Carnival returned after a three-year absence caused by the Covid pandemic.
The annual bank holiday event certainly did not disappoint as the people of Newport witnessed the biggest procession in 15 years and organizers estimated 4,000 people took part.
Carnival committee chairman Ali Boksh was delighted with the turnout and says it was the perfect way to bring the carnival back after Covid.
Viewing #pilkarnaval it was a blast this afternoon 🤩 #Carnival2022 pic.twitter.com/85GDA16vQZ
— 💫🏳️⚧️Nikki Harper 🏳️⚧️💫 (@Nikkijoe202) August 29, 2022
He said: “The procession was probably the biggest we’ve had in 15 years. It was amazing, there were people lining the streets to see it.
“It was a fantastic day with good atmosphere and everyone came out in force to enjoy the great event as we had around 4,000 people enjoying the fair on the tablet play area.”
The Apple float dedicated to Ryan O’connor was adjudged the winner in the best float competition
This year’s procession had a Caribbean theme to celebrate 60 years since Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom.
The parade also celebrated our monarch Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years on the throne.
Leading the parade was Zion the Lion, followed by smaller lion faces made by Urban Circle and G-Expressions.
Mohammed Fez, digital content producer at Urban Circle, was delighted with the response to Zion the Lion.
The Royal Oak Encanto Float took second place in the competition
He said: “We had a good response, we had 30 odd children come to see the lion and walk with the lion which was amazing.
“There were 23 different groups that came together, the carnival was amazing.
“A very happy crowd, a good atmosphere, people were happy to see each other as there hasn’t been an event in Pill for a while.
“Everyone was in good spirits with the police happy and it was just a fantastic day.”
The Newport Ship float took third place in the competition
Some of the floats carried tributes to beloved members of the Newport community. Topping off the parade was a bike meet in memory of Mason Williams, who died earlier this year in a motorcycle accident.
Following this were many colorful floats such as the Carnival Queen float led by 15-year-old Alexis Cuthbert, a colorful Encanto-themed float and one celebrating the Newport Ship.
The float competition saw three float awards, with the Apple award dedicated to Ryan O’Connor after he was tragically killed last year winning first place.
Ryan, who was known as Apple to his friends, was killed for a designer bag. After his killers were convicted earlier this year, police praised the Alway community for their support during the investigation.
Float Royal Oak Encanto came second, while Newport Ship won third place after being judged by Sarah Wigmore of South Wales ArgusMayor of Newport Cllr Martyn Galloway and High Sheriff of Gwent Malgwyn Davies.
Carnival Queen floats with 15-year-old Alexis Cuthbert as Carnival Queen
Jayne Bryant, Senedd member for Newport West, was delighted with the turnout at the biggest carnival yet.
She said: “A bumper came out for the Pill Carnival this year; people of all ages gathered to celebrate.
“There were some touching tributes to some of those who had passed away, thanks to all the organizers and volunteers who made it such a special day.”
The princesses walk in the parade on the carnival queen float
Meanwhile, the carnival committee presented awards to valuable members of the Pill community for their years of service to tablets.
Eddie Watts, chairman of the Newport Seamen’s Mission, was one of the members presented with an award.
He said: “You can’t beat the Pill for its community spirit and you can see that from the carnival.
“The carnival committee always tries to keep the community united as one.”
Left to right: PC Val, Gina Ravencroft, Eddie Watts and Ann Barton from the Pill Carnival committee
PC Val Bryan, a long-serving community officer in Pill, was also presented with an award. Val recently featured in a stunning mural on Temple Street highlighting the community.
He said: “I wasn’t expecting an award, it’s so modest. It’s always been a pleasure working with the carnival committee, they work so hard to keep this going.”
Meanwhile, on the playing fields at Pill Mill, more than 4,000 people enjoyed fairground rides, a variety of cultured foods and pubs with entertainment and live music.
One of the many rides in the funfair at the Pill playing fields
This year there was also a tea tent, a new addition to the carnival for the older generation to enjoy warm drinks and gather to catch up.
Rebecca Roberts, a member of the Pill Carnival, said she was proud the day was a success after the Covid pandemic.
“It went really well, with a fantastic result it was great, it was good to see people getting out after Covid,” she said.
“The tributes were really great to see in the parade.”
