NEWPORT is getting into its carnival spirit as it gears up to its annual August Bank Holiday celebrations.

The Pill Carnival will return to Newport on August 29.

The parade will start at 1pm from the bottom of Alexandra Road and then continue into Commercial Road.

It will then go down Cardiff Road and finish in Mendalgief Road.

Among many other attractions, the parade will feature a marching band and a brass band.

There will also be a float competition with the winner receiving £100.

This year’s carnival Queen Neah Bashir, 13, from Pill, will also be presented during the parade.

Both Neah and the attendant, Cleo, 16, will be wearing gowns. They will be accompanied by court ladies and flower ladies.

“The Queen can come from any part of the city – they don’t have to be from Pill,” said Ann Barton, one of the festival’s organisers.

“While beauty plays a part, the winner is chosen mainly because of her personality. Beauty isn’t an important element.”

After the parade, one of the city’s biggest celebrations will continue at Pill’s Millennium centre. There will be bouncy castles, music and food from all over the world.

“Most importantly, there will a Tug-of-war,” Ms Barton said. “We would like the team members to be in fancy dress or costumes. It’ll be really fun.

“The winners will get a trophy and hold it for the next twelve months.

“It’s not too late to join – you just need to form a team of eight people and contact Dona on 077194 69577.”

From majorettes to more brass band members, they are still looking for more people to get involved in the parade.

If you are interested, contact Ms Barton on 01633 259249 or visit her florist, AB flowers, in 17 Commercial Road.

The Pill Carnival is organised by six volunteers only.

“It’s hard work though,” she said. “Every year something hits us hard. But, in some way or another, we get through it and we carry on.

“We are really excited.”