High Street success for Newport Carnival - with pictures
A decision to move a carnival from its traditional field into the very heart of town has been a resounding success, a mayor said today.
This weekend saw Newport Carnival take place once more in a time honoured tradition dating back generations.
But rather than simply process through the High Street and out to the carnival ground, there was quite a big change in store for those out to enjoy the festivities.
Things kicked off at 10am right in the centre town with an opening ceremony involving town crier Peter Taunton, Mayor of Newport Lyn Fowler and Newport's own archery gold medallist John Walker, champion at the Rio Paralympics.
Councillor Fowler said: "This is the first year we have held it actually on the High Street. In previous years it was paraded through the High Street but held on Shuker Field."
She said the change had been made because there was a feeling that crowds had followed the parade out to the field and away from the town centre – so this year the idea was to keep footfall, and trade, in the town centre itself to give the local economy a boost.
And the plan worked wonderfully, she said.
"It was a completely new look and (town councillor) Graham Foster and all the carnival committee have worked very hard," she said.
"It was very well attended and the weather has been very warm – it has got to be one of the best carnivals I have ever seen."
She said the carnival queen, nine-year-old Patricia Corbishley, and her royal entourage, released 500 red, white and blue balloons to mark the carnival's Best of British theme, and there was still a procession – this time starting from Shuker Filed and making its way to the centre, which she and John Walker were whisked away to be part of after the opening.
"The parade was led by the Air Cadet band along with the town crier, followed by myself and John, followed by a horse and carriage with the carnival queen and the royal party."
She said there were 50 floats with Newport Junior School winning best.
"So the carnival was big, it was new, and I haven't heard from anyone who doesn't think it was a great idea to hold it in the High Street and keep it there – or who didn't have a great time," she said.
The celebrations included more than 50 stalls a number of stages with music and entertainment for all the family.
