Isle of Wight Carnivals Since 1888
We are very proud of our Carnivals.
(PARADES – Main carnival event, Children’s parade & illuminated)
Forget the long haul to Rio, come and celebrate the spirit of our fabulous Carnivals right here on the beautiful Isle of Wight. No matter what our age, we Islanders just love any excuse to dress up and get involved in some good old-fashioned fun! Generations of Islanders still work tirelessly throughout the year and can’t wait to bring their spectacular event to an enjoyable climax for the enjoyment of everyone. Events like these really do make great entries into your treasured memory book providing cherished, joyful times on which to reminisce for years to come. Why not be one of the thousands of happy people who line our streets and join us at one of our many Carnival events which are on at various times throughout the day/night during the fabulous summer season. Be sure to arrive early to bag yourselves a great vantage point!
The eye-catching costumes, entertaining fun and all-round jovial party atmosphere just keep getting better and better year upon year – Islanders have been doing this since 1888 so they have had a lot of practice; indeed Ryde Carnival is actually the oldest carnival in the UK. Our history tells us that although the first true event was held in 1888 the real origins extend a year further back, to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, of 1887.
During the summer months our Island goes positively Carnival crazy and rocks with many of these wonderfully created highly spirited events which are so much fun for all of the family be it your precious baby’s first carnival experience or your beloved great-great-grandparents, we are sure no matter what your age, you will not be disappointed. The children’s parades are bursting with oodles of excitement and are entertaining fun-filled processions as the children showcase their colourful and imaginative costumes with the much-anticipated joy of their long-awaited ‘big moment’ etched across their excited little faces as their time to shine is finally upon them. The great combination of cheerful costumes, jovial participants and fantastic floats all serve up make a fun-filled and exciting carnival atmosphere. There are well-stocked street sellers with much-adored character helium balloons (hold on tight to those!) sweets and carnival related goodies for sale so visiting children please be sure to start saving your pocket money now.
As mentioned, there are Main Carnivals in almost every major Town giving Island grown-ups a very good excuse and opportunity to escape the chains and monotony of adult life to really reconnect with the freedom their own childhood allowed and really put on a good show for you all to thoroughly enjoy – go on, let your hair down and as the saying goes ‘dance as if no one’s watching’ and get those hips swaying in time to the party atmosphere! If you are more of a night owl we have illuminated processions too, with a visit to the local chip shop being a firm favourite for supper!
Don’t forget to look out for our fantastic firework displays because we have it all going on! The spectacular world-famous Cowes Week fireworks are on the last Friday of their incredible annual sailing event.
We really hope you enjoy our Carnivals as much as those who are involved do in creating them for you!
Please click on the links below for full up-to-date information, submission forms and contact details – Wishing you all a wonderful time with your loved ones, family and friends at Carnival time.
