New Carnival is delighted to announce funding through Creative Island and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation’s Past Futures programme to develop and tour Folktastic Isle.
Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project celebrates the everyday stories, traditions and cultural heritage that make the Isle of Wight unique.
Uncovering the Island’s hidden folklore
For two years, New Carnival has been uncovering fascinating Island folklore, from Morris dancing and its links to the suffragettes, to the lost town of Wolverton, the Blackgang and Chale Giant, the Island’s Bull or ‘Giltern Beast’, Jack-in-the-Green parades, and even the history of doughnuts!
Among the discoveries is the remarkable story that one of the earliest written versions of The Three Little Pigs is associated with Merrie Gardens in Shanklin.
The new funding will enable Folktastic Isle to tour three Island locations in autumn 2026. A new Folktastic Isle Folk Map, illustrated by local artist Katy Rose, will highlight stories, traditions and places across the Island, encouraging people to explore familiar landscapes with fresh eyes.
What’s in the exhibition
The free exhibition will combine historic photographs, literature and creative work with replica heritage objects created in partnership with the Isle of Wight Heritage Service.
These include a Roman bronze enamel ‘running hare’ brooch, recreated by local jeweller Sophie Honeybourne, and the mysterious Neolithic flint tribratch, possibly an early symbol of Island identity, replicated by expert flint knapper Will Lord.
The Shipwreck Museum will also display memorial books carved from timber recovered from the ‘ghost ship’ HMS Eurydice.
Storytelling, workshops and educational resources will accompany the exhibition.
Folktastic Isle also forms part of New Carnival’s involvement in the Arts Council-funded CAN YOU HEAR US? Island cultural celebration this autumn.
A new show from Isle of Wight College
Isle of Wight College Performing Arts students have created a new performance inspired by Island stories, directed by Charles Bonner, with choreography by Iona Wallace and Eloise Preston.
The performance will include maypole dancing, New Carnival’s spectacular large-scale costumes and puppets, and costumes created especially for the show by emerging designers Kira Lacey and Joel Lines.
Hannah Ray, Director of New Carnival, said,
“It’s always exciting to discover more people, places and stories connected to the Island. The more we explore and talk to people, the more we find – and the project just keeps growing!
“We hope to create a children’s book of Island folk stories. The Literary Trust has offered to fund printed copies for every Island school if we can raise the money to produce it, so we’d love to hear from anyone who could help make this happen, or if you are able to contribute via our local giving page.”
Where and when to see it
Isle of Wight College Folktastic shows/ performances take place as follows:
- Sunday 13th September, 2.30–3.30pm
Ventnor Exchange Arena, Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport - Saturday 26th September, 6.30–8pm
Freshwater Memorial Hall, Freshwater - Sunday 18th October, 2.30–3.30pm
Ventnor Exchange Arena, Browns Golf Course, Sandown
Folktastic Exhibition
- 8th–16th September 10-4pm
Lord Louis Library, Newport - 21st September–4th October 10-4pm
Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Freshwater - 10th–18th October 10-4pm
Graft Studios, Sandown
Magic, Mystery and HMS Eurydice
New Carnival and the Shipwreck Museum will present a family-friendly magic show exploring the history and ghost stories of HMS Eurydice. Maritime expert and magician Ian Vallance will be joined by eyewitness Gary Ranson.
- Saturday 12th September 1–2pm
Lord Louis Library - Friday 2nd October 7–8pm
Dimbola Museum and Galleries - Saturday 10th October 7–8pm
Graft Studios
A family storytelling workshop will also take place at Lord Louis Library on Saturday 12th September, 11am–12 noon, with storytellers Holly Medland and Corey Gibbs exploring Island legends including a Roman river sprite, Brading Roman Villa’s ‘Gallus’ character and the mysterious running hare.
All events free to attend, but booking advisable as limited numbers in some venues.
How to book
Visit the BookWhen website to book your tickets.
Find out more about New Carnival by visiting their website.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
