RIVERFEST is now in the safe hands of Newport Carnival organisers, following The Footprint Trust stepping away from the event’s planning.

Isle of Wight Riverfest was launched in 2008 by the Isle of Wight Council.

The event was taken over by The Footprint Trust in 2010 and has become the largest free community event in Newport, attracting some 4,000 people annually.

Due to work growing substantially, The Trust decided to hand Riverfest onto another organisation to focus on their core work.

Following discussions with Newport Carnival & Community Events Association’s Committee, the charity has now formally handed over the popular event.

Over the past ten years, Riverfest has raised thousands of pounds for charities and helped promote local businesses.

Isle of Wight County Press: Riverfest was organised by the Trust’s General Manager, Ray Harrington-Vail (left), and his staff and volunteers.Riverfest was organised by the Trust’s General Manager, Ray Harrington-Vail (left), and his staff and volunteers.

The Footprint Trust's general manager, Ray Harrington-Vail, said: “It has been a pleasure in seeing this event grow and achieve so much.

“We are very grateful to Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council for all their support over the years and to the thousands of local people who have supported Riverfest.

“We are assisting the Carnival Committee during this transition and wish Paddy McHugh and his team every success as they take this event forward.”

Paddy, speaking for Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, said: “As soon as Newport was approached by The Footprint Trust, the committee were all too keen to take on such a long-standing popular event.

“Seeing as it is Newport Carnival’s 100th Anniversary this year, as well as being offered this fantastic event, the committee felt it was time to change the Carnival’s name slightly to better reflect our identity and purpose.

“Newport Carnival’s umbrella name is now Newport Carnival & Community Events Association with the Carnival, Riverfest and other events running under this name.”

Riverfest 2022 is due to take place under Newport Carnival & Community Events Association, on Saturday, May 14, at The Quay in Newport.

To find out more, visit www.riverfest.org.uk.