Upcoming Events

Folktastic Isle Exhibition on Tour

New Carnival present ‘Folktastic Isle’ an exhibition exploring the Isle of Wights folk heritage, the art of the people. A culmination of a two year project exploring seasonal celebrations and customs, stories, myths and legends. In partnership with the IW Heritage service and the Shipwreck museum. Featuring new replicas of a roman hare brooch and the neolithic flint tribrach, can you help us decide what it might have been used for? There will be an 'HMS Eurydice memorial book' on display carved from the shipwreck (ghost ship!) and James Dore glass plate photographs. Everyone welcome. Find out all about the weird and wonderful, see New Carnivals costumes and young people's artwork, explore the Islands lesser-known cultural heritage. Suitable for all ages.
Dates Times and locations:
Tues 8th-16th September: Lord Louis Library, Newport, Monday: 9am to 5.30pm · Tuesday: 9am to 5.30pm · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: 9am to 5.30pm · Friday: 9am to 5.30pm · Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Mon 21st September- Sunday 4th October: Dimola Museums and Galleries, Everyday 10-4pm
10th- 18th October: Graft Studios, Sandown, Everyday 10-4pm (Evening event Sat 10th Oct 5-8pm)
Addresses:
Lord Louis Library, Orchard Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1LL
Dimbola Museum & Galleries, Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, PO40 9QE
Graft Studios, The Old Town Hall, Grafton Street, Sandown, PO36 8JJ

Folktastic Isle Magic Show

New Carnival and The Shipwreck Museum present a magic show based on the ghost ship HMS Eurydice; an eyewitness account. Find out about the history of the ship, be entertained by maritime expert and magician Ian Vallance, hear from eyewitness Gary Ranson, draw your own conclusions- do you believe in ghosts? All welcome, suitable for all ages.
Saturday 12th Sept, 1-2pm Lord Louis Library
Fri 2nd October 7-8pm, Dimbola Museums and Galleries
Sat 10th October 7-8pm Sandown Graft Studios

Folktastic Isle Performance

New Carnival and the Isle of Wight College performing arts students present a 'Folktastic Isle' performance, featuring Island folk tales- The Lost village of Wolverton, The Pied Piper of Newtown, The Chale/Blackgang giant, Molly Downer and the Arreton witch who turned into a hare. Brought to life with New Carnivals spectacular giant costumes and puppets. Including Maypole dancing. Directed by Charles Bonner and choreographed by Iona Wallace and Eloise Preston. Costumes by New Carnival, Kira Lacey and Joel Lines. Suitable for children and adults.
Dates Times and locations:
Sun 13th September, 2026, 14.30-15.30pm Ventnor Exchange Arena, Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport, PO30 5QZ
Sat 26th September, 2026, 6.30-8pm, Freshwater Memorial Hall, Avenue Road, Freshwater, PO40 9UU
Sun 18th October, 2026, 14.30-15.30pm Ventnor Exchange Arena, Browns Golf Course, Culver Parade, Sandown, PO36 8QA

Folktastic Isle - Storytelling Workshop

Presented by New Carnival in partnership with storytellers Holly Medland, Sue Bailey and Corey Gibbs

Public family workshop 11am-12noon Saturday 12th September (up to 40 places available)
Lord Louis Library, Orchard Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1LL

Story tellers Holly Medland and Corey Gibbs invite children and families to hear about unique island stories and legends, in an interactive workshop. Find out about a Roman River sprite, recorded in a book by Percy Stone in 1912. Who is Brading Roman Villa's 'Gallus' character? What is the significance of a running hare? Create a mosaic. Suited to children aged 5-12 years, no unaccompanied children.