NEWPORT was in a party mood today for one of its biggest annual street parties.

The sun shone on Pill Carnival and drew thousands of people to the streets to see bright and colourful floats make their way from Alexander Road, down Commercial Road, and 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 which was sponsored by AB florist, and proceeded by a fire engine, coast guard and dignitaries including the mayor of Newport, Cllr David Fouweather.

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

Rebecca Davies, from Risca, attended 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, was among other in attendance. He said he knew a host of people involved on 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.”

Float themes ranged from a live music float to a Beauty and the Beast-dedicated effort.

But it was a Pill Mill float filled with Disney princesses which was chosen as the best overall, much to the delight of the crowd.

Second place went to the Beauty and the Beast float, by the Royal Oak pub.

Pill Carnival committee member Ann Barton called the occasion “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. 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.”

At Pill playing fields afterwards there was a fun fair, food stands, and music.