Thousands of Islanders filled the streets last night (Thursday, August 24) to enjoy the return of Newport Illuminated Carnival.

  • See our gallery of photos above and videos below, courtesy of Pamela Parker

Last month, due to poor weather, the carnival’s organisers announced with a ‘heavy heart’ its decision to cancel the 101st main carnival, leaving Newport’s illuminated as the town’s main carnival attraction this summer.

Newport Carnival chair Paddy McHugh and Kevin Winchcombe paid tribute to the former chair of the carnival for 20 years, June Winchcombe., who sadly passed away in April aged 79.

Their tributes were followed by an Island Highland Pipes and Drums, Medina Marching Band and the Vectis Corps of Drums, coming together to play a moving tribute at the start of the parade.

Paddy said: "WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW... You three bands made a heck of a lot of people tearful tonight, thank you so much on behalf of the whole Newport Carnival team and the Winchcombe family, thank you so much for your tribute.

"June would have been a very proud lady tonight."

The parade featured firm carnival favourites Shademakers, who led the procession through the well-lit streets.

Ventnor Comic Jazz Band and FaT Samba also joined the fun, along with the usual queen’s floats representing Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, St Helens and Ventnor, and independent and charity groups.