Mardi Gras

Event details

IW Mardi Gras 2026 - Folktastic Isle: Stories, Myths and Legends

Step into a world of myth, magic, and Island storytelling as the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras returns to Ryde on Saturday 4th July 2026.

This year’s spectacular theme, Folktastic Isle: Stories, Myths and Legends, celebrates the rich folklore, eerie tales, and curious characters woven into the Isle of Wight’s cultural landscape. From ancient legends whispered across the downs to modern mysteries shared along the coastline, the streets of Ryde will burst into life with colour, music, dance, and imagination.

Supported by Arts Council England, the 2026 parade brings together 23 schools and community groups from across the Island. Over recent months, hundreds of young people, families, artists, and volunteers have collaborated to research local myths, design sustainable handmade costumes, build giant creations, and rehearse dazzling choreography inspired by their chosen stories

Part celebration, part community artwork, and part living folklore festival, the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2026 is a powerful showcase of creativity, sustainability, and community spirit.

This event forms part of the IW Biosphere Festival and the National Year of Reading campaign.

Where and when?

The Parade Route

The celebrations begin at Simeon Street Recreation Ground, where the parade both starts and finishes. From there, from 3pm the vibrant procession will travel through the heart of Ryde along The Strand, Dover Street, Melville Street, Cross Street, Union Street, and The Esplanade before returning for a grand finale celebration.

Union Street’s famous downhill section promises dramatic performances and high-energy spectacle, while a designated quiet zone along The Esplanade will provide a more relaxed viewing experience for those who prefer reduced noise levels.

Expect pulsating samba rhythms, giant puppets, breathtaking costumes, live performance, and an explosion of creativity as the Island’s communities transform Ryde into an open-air celebration of storytelling and togetherness. From the striking large-scale creations by New Carnival to the infectious energy of the performers, IW Mardi Gras offers a joyful sensory journey through the Isle of Wight’s collective imagination.

Whether you are a local reconnecting with Island traditions or a visitor discovering the Isle of Wight for the first time, Folktastic Isle promises an unforgettable cultural experience where legends leap from storybooks onto the streets.

Free activities for younger children 11am -3pm

Mini Mardi Gras

Before the main parade takes to the streets, Simeon Street Recreation Ground will transform into Mini Mardi Gras from 11am, offering a full day of family-friendly activities and creative fun.

Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the Folktastic Isle theme through hands-on craft workshops, storytelling sessions, circus skills, face painting, music-making with buckets and boomwhackers, and plenty of interactive surprises throughout the day. Children can create mythical masks and props inspired by Island legends, while families can enjoy delicious local food stalls showcasing some of the best Island produce.

Mini Mardi Gras is also a chance to get up close to the incredible costumes and creations before the parade begins, meet the artists and performers behind the scenes, and experience the excitement building ahead of the main procession.

IW Mardi Gras 2025 - Our Folktastic Isle - The Wheel of the Year

The IW Mardi Gras – Our Folktastic Isle: The Wheel of the Year took place on Saturday 5 July 2025 in Ryde.

This free, family-friendly parade celebrated the rhythms of nature with pageantry, costumes, and performances inspired by the cycle of seasons; from celestial beginnings to harvest, solstice and beyond. Over 25 local schools and community groups brought Ryde’s streets to life in a joyful celebration of folklore, creativity, and community. This year’s event was proudly part of the IW Biosphere Festival, highlighting our island’s unique natural and cultural heritage. As always, New Carnival supported participants with workshops and creative guidance, ensuring a truly spectacular experience for all ages.

To view the full digital programme, where you can find out all about the event – click below.

Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2023 - Year of the Coast

The ‘Year of the Coast’ 2023 celebrated the upcoming creation of a coastal footpath around the entirety of the England and the Isle of Wight – set to be the longest way marked section of coastal footpath in the world- at 2800 miles!

Once again, we kicked off the National Children’s Carnival week, 8th to 16th July, themed this year as ‘coast to coast’.
New Carnival partnered with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, St Pauls Carnival, Nottingham, 18 hours, Hastings, EMCCAN, and Global Grooves. Children up and down the country explored all things coastal!

To view the full event programme click here

What to expect

The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, is the company’s flagship event and showcases the very best of children and young people’s carnival experience through learning, creating and performance. We work closely with schools and colleges in the development of the event and the processes which contribute to it.

The Mardi Gras parade has an overarching theme which is developed through a pictorial narrative and portrayed on the streets through carnival. The theme is chosen to fit comfortably within the national curriculum and topical areas of study, often in line with National celebrations or anniversaries.