The Open Road Carnival
The carnival that's making a difference...
Celebrating the Success of 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026!
At New Carnival, we believe that the future belongs to the next generation. In May 2025, they showed us just how bright, bold, and brilliantly sustainable that future can be. This year’s Trash to Trend project was nothing short of extraordinary. Hosted and judged by the island legend Quivers, youth from across the island came together to transform discarded materials into jaw-dropping carnival costumes, wearable art, and fashion-forward statements. All of which, in the name of sustainability and self-expression. We were thrilled to work with talents from our home-grown youth group- Isle of Creativity, The Isle of Wight College, The Bay Academy and The Island Free School.
From PPE-waste weaved bodices to banners made of upcycled fabric, cardboard dragons to chainmail, plastic panels made from bubble wrap to energy drink cans turned into facemasks, the creativity on display was utterly jaw-dropping. Workshops, inspiration sessions, afterschool clubs and, hours of at home attention to detail, turned into moments of collaboration and learning, with mentors and young designers working side-by-side to rethink what fashion could be.
The Impact
- More than 60 young participants aged 13–30
- Collaborations with local artists, schools, and youth groups
- A spectacular showcase event attended by over 150 spectators
We’ve been blown away by the energy, imagination, and purpose that our youth brought to this project. The 2025 Trash to Trend runway show was not only a visual feast but a testament to what our young people can achieve.
What’s next? Trash to Trend 2026 of course. The momentum is just getting started. We are thrilled to announce that Trash to Trend 2026 is officially launching! Expect even more opportunities for youth leadership, expanded partnerships, new materials to experiment with, and innovative ways to merge fashion, performance, and sustainability.
If 2025 was about proving it could be done, 2026 is about taking it to the next level.
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a young designer, school or youth group, sponsor, or eco-enthusiast, we want you on board! Applications for Trash to Trend 2026 open this October, and we’re already gearing up for another unforgettable year!