SANDOWN is getting ready to stage its first carnival parades for three years — and a fund has been announced to help people enter.

The town’s 2022 carnival queens have been chosen, and it has been confirmed the annual Sandown Regatta will also go ahead.

The main carnival is on Saturday, July 30, and the illuminated carnival on Wednesday, August 31. The regatta will take place over the weekend of August 13 and 14.

Paul Coueslant, who chairs Sandown Carnival Association, said: "Our summer parades are always exciting occasions for residents and visitors.

"They’ve been part of the town’s calendar since 1889 and we can’t wait to put them on again after two years of cancellations.

"As always, we rely on financial support from our local community and we’re hugely grateful for the donations we get."

Isle of Wight County Press: Crowds waiting for Sandown Carnival in July 2019. Picture courtesy of Sandown Carnival Association.Crowds waiting for Sandown Carnival in July 2019. Picture courtesy of Sandown Carnival Association.

Eager carnival participants can find a grant application form at www.sandowncarnival.com/carnival-development-fund

Sandown Carnival is a non-profit community group run by volunteers and donations can be made at www.sandowncarnival.com/donate