The Open Road Carnival
The carnival that's making a difference...
About Us
We are based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, an island with a quirky carnival tradition dating back to 1887. New Carnival is a small not for profit company with global ambition and reach. We deliver vibrant, exciting, and inventive carnival-based art projects inspired by the natural environment, heritage, and the world we live in. We showcase creative expression, cultivating a sense of pride, place and belonging.
New Carnival was formed in 2011 with the aim of providing excellence in learning and raising the aspirations of adults and children through carnival and celebratory arts. This continues to this day; our vision is to spark creative possibility, enrich communities and enhance lives. We aim to make a positive statement through innovative, dynamic, and sustainable carnival arts events.
We deliver vibrant, exciting, and inventive carnival-based art projects inspired by the natural environment, heritage, and the world we live in. We showcase creative expression, cultivating a sense of pride, place and belonging.
Our two main events each year are the IW Mardi Gras in July and Merry and Bright – Festival of Light in December.
We deliver a programme of Adult Community Learning courses in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council and offer a series of CPD training sessions for teachers and community group leaders throughout the year. Our team of artists is available to visit schools and groups to deliver a wide range of creative and educational workshops.
New Carnival was formed in 2011 with the aim of providing excellence in learning and raising the aspirations of adults and children through carnival and celebratory arts. This continues to this day; our aim is to spark creative possibility, enrich communities and enhance lives.
We want to make a positive statement through innovative, dynamic, and sustainable carnival arts events.
What We Do and Why?
We work closely within our local community providing opportunities to learn creative skills, build confidence, foster wellbeing, and to present work publicly. We work our community, with likeminded arts organisations and freelancers, the national and international carnival sector, promoting the artform, championing the artists and collectively addressing environmental responsibility.