Hundreds of people gathered in Castletown on Saturday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Castletown Festival's Confetti Carnival, marking a milestone for one of the Isle of Man's longest-running community events.

Festivities got under way at 1pm, with Market Square and the surrounding streets attracting families, residents and visitors for a day of entertainment, competitions and live performances.

The programme featured the traditional Fancy Dress Parade, Bonny Baby Competition, free bingo, market stalls, children's entertainment, performances from local bands and a range of food vendors.

A highlight of the day was the annual Confetti Throw in Market Square, with generations of families taking part in the long-standing tradition that has become closely associated with the festival.

The celebrations continued into the evening with a tribute performance by ‘Madonna by Knight’, before concluding with a professionally managed fireworks display by Galaxy Fireworks. The display was launched from Speaker's Garden with the permission and cooperation of Manx National Heritage.

The event also included the crowning of the 70th Anniversary Carnival Queen, Megan Kelly, together with her Princess, while this year's Holiday Princess was also selected.

Residents and businesses joined in the anniversary celebrations by decorating homes, shopfronts, cafés, pubs and other premises along the parade route.

Speaking after the event, Rachael Harland, chairwoman for the Castletown Festival Committee, said: ‘After months of planning, to stand in Market Square and see thousands of smiling faces enjoying everything our volunteers had worked so hard to create was incredibly rewarding.

‘Our 70th Anniversary was a celebration of the past, the present and the future of Confetti Carnival. I am immensely proud of our committee, our volunteers and our community, and I hope everyone who attended made memories that will last a lifetime.’

A classic Castletown fire engine on display
A classic Castletown fire engine on display (N/A)
A number of musical acts took to the stage throughout the day
A number of musical acts took to the stage throughout the day (N/A)
Trish, the winner of best dressed cafe/restaurant
Trish, the winner of best dressed cafe/restaurant (N/A)
Families gathered for food and refreshments
Families gathered for food and refreshments (N/A)
Locals (including dogs) were covered in confetti
Locals (including dogs) were covered in confetti (N/A)
Carnival Queen Megan Kelly with her fellow Princesses (Photo: MJ Photography)
Carnival Queen Megan Kelly with her fellow Princesses (Photo: MJ Photography) (MJ Photography)
The Festival Princesses were all smiles!
The Festival Princesses were all smiles! (N/A)
Confetti rains from the sky
Confetti rains from the sky (N/A)