Pill Carnival returned to Newport on Monday, August 31, bringing a parade and an afternoon of family activities to Pill. Spectators lined Alexandra Road as the procession passed through the area before the celebrations continued around Pill Millennium Centre.

Stalls and rides opened from noon around Pill Park, covering the area from Pill Mill towards the Harriers. The parade was scheduled to leave the dock gates at about 2pm and travel along Commercial Road and through Pill.

The programme included funfair rides, bouncy castles and stalls selling food, crafts and clothing. Local groups and businesses also took part, while Eckó Vybz and EV Sound System were among the acts listed to provide live entertainment.

The annual event has longstanding links with Pillgwenlly, a community shaped by Newport’s docks and the families who settled nearby as the port expanded during the 19th century. Archive coverage records decorated floats, fancy dress and large groups taking part in carnivals during the 1970s and 1980s.

The modern event continues that tradition through music, costumes and community participation. It returned in 2025 after a break the previous year and came back for another Bank Holiday programme in 2026. The day’s events were also livestreamed for people who could not attend in person.