A COMMUNITY was in a party mood yesterday for one of its biggest annual street parties.

The sun shone on Pill Carnival and drew thousands of people to the streets of Newport as they waited to see the bright and colourful floats make their way from from Alexander Road then down Commercial Road, part of Cardiff Road to Mendalgief Road.

Fourteen-year-old Angel Paul was chosen as this year’s carnival queen while Connie Sefton, 14, and Caitlin Brockway, 16, were named as the attendants.

They were on the first float of the carnival which is sponsored by AB florist, proceeded by a fire engine, coast guard and dignitaries including the Mayor of Newport. Cllr David Fouweather, who were all waving to the crowds that lined the route.

Samba band, Barracwda, led the party mood at the front of the carnival procession with the Newport SeneGambia Association following behind with their own drum beats.

Rebecca Davies from Risca came with her daughters Kaitlyn and Kasey. “This is wonderful,” she said. “They should do more of these things. The kids are waiting to see the princesses and can’t wait to go to the funfair later.”

Tommy Taylor from Pill came out to see the carnival because he knows a lot of people that are involved in the day.

He said: “It’s good to watch and see all the people out enjoying themselves. There is so much work that goes into the floats and the carnival. We have been lucky with the weather this year.”

With themes ranging from a Disney princess float, live music float and a Beauty and the Beast float it was difficult to choose a winner in the float competition.

The Pill Mill float, which was filled with Disney princesses, won the competition much to the delight of the crowd. Second place we have the Royal Oak pub’s Beauty and the Beast float which was a party from start to finish.

Committee member Ann Barton said the day was “Marvellous.”

She added: “It was nice that quite a few communities joined together for the carnival and that was lovely to see.

“There was thousands on the street, I love seeing people enjoying themselves and it’s nice to see. I want to thank people for their support, and we would like to see even more floats next year.

“Everything has gone really well. We start organising from one carnival to the next, so we will have a month off then we start again for next year.”

The day ended at the Pill playing fields where there was a fun fair, food stands, music and competitions.