New Carnival Launch the 2025 IW Mardi Gras at Quay Arts

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

Quay Arts 21.01.25

The Launch of IW Mardi Gras 2025: A Folktastic Celebration of Isle of Wight Heritage

On Tuesday, January 21st, New Carnival hosted the much-anticipated launch of this year’s Isle of Wight Mardi Gras at Quay Arts. With over 40 attendees, including local school teachers, community leaders, freelance artists, and representatives from fellow arts organizations, the evening was an inspiring kick-off to a truly unique event.

The launch began with a viewing of the 2024 IW Mardi Gras video, a vibrant highlight reel that reignited memories of last year’s parade set to the soundtrack of the IW Music Hub’s fantastic ‘The Story of Carnival’ anthem. This set the stage for a lively and engaging talk by Steve Baker, Vice Chair of New Carnival’s Board of Trustees. Steve shared his expertise on the art of Morris dancing, and Mummer’s Plays, infusing the room with folktastic energy and setting the tone for the evening.

Introducing This Year’s Theme: “Our Folktastic Isle – the Wheel of the Year”

Hannah Ray, New Carnival’s Director, took the floor to unveil the theme for this year’s Mardi Gras: “Our Folktastic Isle – the Wheel of the Year.” In her presentation, Hannah emphasized the growing fascination with folk traditions, fueled by the UK’s ratification of the UNESCO treaty on Intangible Cultural Heritage. She highlighted how folk culture is experiencing a resurgence in the face of climate change, as people seek deeper connections with nature and authenticity in an increasingly digital world.

Adding a contemporary twist to the theme, the audience enjoyed a clip of Wet Leg’s folk-inspired performance at the Brit Awards, featuring the dynamic Boss Morris Side. This exciting blend of traditional and modern artistry underscored the versatility and relevance of folk culture today.

The Parade’s Narrative: A Journey Through Folklore and Tradition

The creative heart of the evening came as Gemma, Gina, Kai, and Hannah presented the five sections that will shape the IW Mardi Gras parade’s narrative: The Celestial Realm, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. These sections are brimming with 26 rich topics for schools and community groups to explore, many with strong links to the history and heritage of the Island including:

• The Sun, The Moon, and The Earth
• Shroving, Beating the Bounds, Morris Dancing, King Arwald, May Day, and Jack in the Green
• Well Dressing, Summer Solstice, Midsummer Magic, Coloured Sand Art and the Mackerel Fair
• Hoams Harvest, Lammas, Mabon (Autumn Equinox), and All Hallows Eve
• Yule, Mummers Plays, Giltern Market, Wassailing, Winter Solstice, Plough Monday and the tradition of Christmas Trees

These themes promise to bring the folk traditions of the Isle of Wight to life in vibrant, creative ways.

Support and Participation

To ensure everyone has the tools to succeed, Gemma outlined the extensive support available from New Carnival and its partners. From free Inspiration Sessions and Prototyping sessions to online resources and paid for support, New Carnival is committed to helping participants enjoy a rich learning programme whilst creating incredible contributions to the parade. Abbie followed with a rundown of key dates and deadlines, ensuring all attendees left equipped with the knowledge to get involved.

Get Involved

The launch event left attendees feeling inspired and eager to participate in this year’s Mardi Gras. With its celebration of the Isle of Wight’s rich cultural heritage, “Our Folktastic Isle – the Wheel of the Year” promises to be a spectacular and meaningful experience for all involved.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting journey, please reach out to Gemma at Gemma@newcarnival.co.uk. Let’s make 2025’s IW Mardi Gras an unforgettable celebration of our island’s vibrant traditions!