Ahoy me hearties! It’s back, Riverfest 2024 takes place on Saturday 11th May on The Quay in Newport from 10:00 until a slightly later time of 17:00.
Riverfest is a free, family-fun day out brought to you by Newport Carnival & Community Events Association and is now in its third year under Newport Carnival.
CBeebies’ Swashbuckle presenter Gemma Hunt will be bringing some pirate shenanigans to the festival.
Gemma said:
“I’m really excited to be coming to the Isle of Wight for Riverfest and bringing some pirate shenanigans to the festival, looking forward to seeing you me hearties!
“It will be a fun, interactive pirate show with storytelling, games, songs and plenty of Swashbuckling!
“So, don your best pirate costume and we will see you there.”
Gemma will be on the stage at 12:30.
The day starts with the small Pirates Parade from St Thomas’ Square at 09:50, where you can take part in your pirate attire. Please arrive at St Thomas’ Square by 09:45 if you wish to enter. The parade will then make its way to The Quay, led by the Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band.
A cannon fire will open the festival at BANG on 10:00.
As well as seeing Gemma Hunt, you can see Huxley the Magician, Flash Kirby, Medina Marching Band, Fat Samba, Emilia and then at 14:00 it’s Aspire Creative stage takeover with a lot of talented young musicians.
There will be over 30 commercial stalls, over 40 charity stalls and promotional stands, emergency services including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Isle of Wight Search and Rescue, HM Coastguard and the RNLI.
There are loads of interactive activities.
2024 also marks 200 years of the RNLI, to celebrate, they will have several boats on display.
Riverfest is supported by Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Cherry Godfrey and Red Funnel.
Paddy McHugh, Riverfest event organiser said:
“Without your support, the free, fun, family-friendly event wouldn’t happen, so we thank you for the support.
“And it goes without saying, the amazing volunteers from my team at Newport Carnival.
“We hope to see everybody at Riverfest on Saturday 11th May 2024”
You can find out more about Riverfest on their website – https://riverfest.org.uk
The full schedule of events throughout the day will be announced in due course.
Wight Design