The New Carnival Company

18/06/2026

With just over 2 weeks to go until this year's IW Mardi Gras, we thought it was time to shine a light on all the amazing community groups that are taking part this year!

A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers at these brilliant organisations that are putting in the time so that many more young people and members of our community can get involved in the Mardi Gras!

This year we are delighted to have:

Carni Beats
Ryde Carnival
IW Young Carers
Ventnor Carnival Association
Brading Youth Club
IOW Indonesian Community
Monkton Arts
East Cowes Carnival
Raw Samba
FaT Samba

A special shout out to the ever spectacular IOW Indonesian Community who are taking part this year with support from the 'Past Futures' funding from the National lottery heritage fund with Creative Island as part of the project. We can't wait to see their incredible costumes inspired by the legend of the Hornbill bird that is famous in Indonesia. They have also been preparing some special dance moves with the help of the New Carnival Dance Troupe.

If you are waiting to watch the parade in Ryde (the best spots are on Cross Street and Union Street) - why not get there early and enjoy the performance by Mr Baker's Dozen Morris Side and friends - perfoming from 2.30pm at St Thomas's Square (outside the old Natwest Bank)

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

What brilliant work you are all doing! Well done everyone!

18/06/2026

Not long to go now! Thanks to Isle of Wight News from On The Wight for sharing!

Isle of Wight Mardi Gras returns to Ryde on 4th July with a folklore theme

17/06/2026

We're always blown away by the incredible creativity and hard work of our Volunteers, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Can you guess what these sets of wings might be used for?

16/06/2026

Banners and posters are going up around Ryde and across the island! If you have a notice board or prominent window you’re able to put a poste in, please get in touch.

16/06/2026

Did you know it’s this Sunday 21st June?

If you’re looking for something to sing why not have a go at learning this year’s IW Mardi Gras Anthem ‘Where our story starts’ - a brand new original song created by Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub for this year’s event as part of Creative Island’s project! Below you can see the fabulous sign and sing video created by the hub with makaton signs and captions. Click on the link in the comments to see the full resources page including lyrics, score, and a 10minute learning video to teach the song and signs.

Huge thanks to the SIOW Music Hub for once again creating an amazing ear worm! We can’t wait to hear all the schools and groups on Mardi Gras Day (Sat 4th July) singing along to the Big Sing just before the parade sets off!

This video has body percussion, signing and lyrics on screen in the...

15/06/2026

Very exciting news!

We are absolutely delighted to announce the 13 community organisations selected for the second round of Past Futures, our Isle of Wight heritage fund made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This round has more than doubled the number of projects we're supporting, with over £123,000 awarded to bring vibrant local histories to life. From celebrating everyday stories to preserving the unique traditions that shape the Island, these projects will help make sure our community-led heritage is accessible for everyone, now and in the future.

Huge well done and congratulations to our rewardees!

Head to our website to read more about the awardees and the incredible work ahead 🏛️🧡

📸 - Stitch Department taken by Day Rutherford

15/06/2026

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows at new carnival… oh hang on a minute… We had an amazing time on Saturday making disco capes! If you’d like to come and play - maybe for a hen party or birthday fun - get in touch!

13/06/2026

With just 3 weeks to go until the IW Mardi Gras, we thought we'd share the video of the event 3 years ago - when our theme was 'The Year of the Coast'. This was a glorious day, with lots of lovely sunshine - (fingers crossed for great weather again this year please!) Watch the video below to get in the spirit ready for this year's parade!

Here's the highlights of the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras Parade from 2...