THOUSANDS braved the elements to watch this year’s Pill Carnival – which brought together all the community with a countries of the world theme.

Residents lined the streets of Pill to watch a series of eye-catching floats go by in the annual event, which was first held in 1974.

Although the day was overcast, and numbers were down on initial expectations, organisers said around 4,000 people took in the day’s events.

The parade began at Alexander Road at 12pm before making its way through Commercial Road and Cardiff Road before finishing at Mendalgief Road.

This year’s carnival queen, 15-year-old Mataya Tunney, who is a pupil at Duffryn High School, led the procession on an elegant float made up of blue and pink flowers.

The annual extravaganza was dedicated to Pill stalwart Sean Healey, whose funeral took place last week and members of Mr Healey’s family were part of the procession.

Mr Healey became a volunteer at Pill Millennium Centre eight years ago and had been a member of the carnival committee ever since.

He died on July 16 after a short battle with liver cancer. In tribute to this sterling work, this year's carnival featured a tug of war competition with a trophy named after him.

Carnival committee chairman Ali Boksh said: “This year is for Sean.

It’s been the second committee member in three years that we’ve lost. Let’s hope it’s not an omen.

“The hardcore Pill people all put their floats in. I’m so proud. So many amazing people help make it.”

In a separate tribute, the music stage at the carnival was named in memory of Xana Doyle, 19, who was killed in a car crash on January 9.

Newport businessman Iftekhar Haris, who owns four nightspots in the city, is a family friend of the Doyles and attended Xana’s funeral.

Mr Haris, who funded the musical entertainment for the carnival, said: “It’s a really lovely set up this year. The organisers have been so good.

“I got to know Xana on the door. I recognised the family name. You see these kids grow up.

“It [the crash] had a huge impact on the kids. Seeing how it affected them….this is a great way of showing respect and doing something in her memory.”

Live music took place at the Pillgwenlly Millennium Centre from 12pm with an open mic session for local artists.

The line up began at 2pm, with top UK Bob Marley tribute band Bob Bailey and the Jailers and Reggae Star Factor finalist Aleighcia Scott getting the crowd moving.

There was also a fun fair, go karting, a soft play area and a bouncy castle on the day and an official after party was held at the Courtyard.