Launch Pad: Beloved Islander Named First Ever Red Funnel Tourism Hero

Red Funnel has announced the very first recipient of a brand-new new tourism award.

A pivotal member within the Isle of Wight community, event organiser and Chair of the Newport Carnival and Community Events Association Paddy McHugh has been named the Isle of Wight’s “Tourism Hero” for 2024.

Following the Isle of Wight Awards in November, award winners and members of the Island community were asked to nominate their Tourism Hero for 2024, with Paddy standing out as the clear and deserved winner of this honorary title.

“Being named the Island’s Tourism Hero is a really wonderful thing”, said Paddy on receiving his award.

“And not just for me, it reflects the hard work of the teams behind every event we work on, from Newport Carnival to Riverfest, the Classic Car show and everything in between.

"Never in a million years did I think I’d have been given this title.”

Red Funnel Commercial Director Lee Hudson was pleased to meet with Paddy and the voluntary members of the Newport Carnival and Community Events Association in East Cowes, presenting the group with the Tourism Hero award, certificate and a Christmas hamper from Island Foods.

"We are incredibly proud to present our inaugural Tourism Hero award to Paddy and his team of volunteers as part of our annual Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards”, said Lee.

“This distinctive award was created to celebrate extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond, and Paddy truly embodies this spirit through his dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work.

"His team of dedicated volunteers have made a significant impact on the Island’s tourism experience through the many events they bring to life, and we are delighted to shine a spotlight on their inspiring contribution.”

For over 40 years, Paddy has been at the heart of local Island events, from Sunday morning car boot sales to colourful carnivals and running his own events popular with locals and visitors alike.

Paddy also volunteers his time to support major events such as the IOW Garlic Festival, Cowes Week and the Royal IOW County Show.

He also organises his own popular community event, Riverfest, together with support from the Newport Carnival and Community Events Association.

In addition to his already full schedule, Paddy recently stepped in to continue the Isle of Wight Classic Car Show following the sad passing of friend and event organiser Vic Gallucci.

In the run up to Christmas, Paddy has been busy collecting and delivering toys to Island children as part of the annual IOW Radio Toy Appeal.

Nominations by the public recognised how much time Paddy gives freely to so many events and community projects, which he undertakes alongside a full-time job at Island Roads.

Asked what drives him to offer so much to support IOW tourism and the wider community, Paddy replied:

“The Island is a special place and my home, and it needs brilliant events to keep people coming back and for locals to enjoy.

"I’m just blessed to be able to do what I do, and I hope I do it well.”

Collecting the Tourism Award alongside members of the Newport Carnival and Community Events Association, he continued:

“What also inspires me to do what I do is the brilliant people working on events behind the scenes.

"I have an amazing team I work with, from the traders to our social media man Shane, all the stewards and the volunteers here to collect the award with me today.”

Paddy's Tourism Hero award comes hot on the heels of collecting Bronze in the Best Event category for Riverfest at the recent Isle of Wight Awards.

Red Funnel looks forward to celebrating many more deserving Tourism Heroes in years to come, shining a light on those who make the Isle of Wight a wonderfully different place to visit.