New Carnival is proud to present the 2025 Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, taking place on Saturday 5th July in Ryde.
This year’s theme, “Our Folktastic Isle – The Wheel of the Year,” celebrates local folk traditions and seasonal customs, with 24 schools and community groups bringing the island’s rich cultural heritage to life through vibrant handmade costumes and performances.
It is also part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival celebrations.
Unique Isle of Wight folklore
Participants have explored seasonal celebrations and folklore unique to the Isle of Wight – from Morris dancing in Newport in the 1600s to the Ryde Jack in the Green parade of 1865, Shrovetide doughnuts, and the Island’s distinctive Giltern Market.
Poppy: Mardi Gras makes me feel happy
Poppy, a Year 6 pupil from Wroxall Primary school, says:
“Mardi Gras makes me feel happy, I can express myself, it gets me noticed by people.
“I like being out with all the people watching, I have done it for three years now and I really enjoy it.”
The art and culture of the people
The parade features a spectacular array of costumes and characters, including New Carnival’s “Four Seasons” puppets and a roaming Green Man.
Folk is the art and culture of the people, carnival exemplifies that. This year’s event promises to be a joyous, living tapestry of island heritage and enduring celebrations. Experience some folk dancing before the carnival arrives in town, ‘Mr Bakers Dozen’, Morris dancing side will be performing at 2.30pm outside the old Natwest Bank/ St Thomas square.
Parade route and times
- Parade departs: 3:00 PM from Simeon Recreation Ground
- Main viewing times: 3:30–4:00 PM through Ryde town centre
- Route: The Strand → Dover Street → Cross Street → Union Street → Esplanade → returns to Simeon Recreation Ground
Before the main event, Mini Mardi Gras will take place at Simeon Recreation Ground from 11am to 2.30pm, with free workshops and activities for young children and families. There’s also a chance to join the parade!
A designated Quiet Zone will be available near the boating lake and toilets at the end of the Esplanade, ideal for those who prefer to experience the parade in a calmer environment.
New Carnival are delighted to welcome several new groups this year, including: IW Young Carers, IW Young Farmers, Ryde Family Hub (Barnardo’s), East Cowes Carnival, Brading Primary, Brighstone Primary and the Christmas Tree Festival
Pre-parade entertainment includes performances from: Viva Carnival Club with their infectious Bamboo Tamboo and All Stars Dance Stars undertaking a mass carnival line dance with Dover Park Primary School.
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is made possible thanks to support from Arts Council England, Ryde Town Council, Wightlink, and Diamond Adventures. If you have family or friends who would like to attend from the Mainland please see the IW Biosphere website for reduced Wightlink ferry fares.
Join us for a colourful celebration of community, creativity, and folklore – a free family event not to be missed!
See New Carnival’s website for the full programme.
See the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival website.
To see what to expect, visit New Carnivals You tube page to watch highlights of last year’s Mardi Gras parade ‘The Story of Carnival’ 2024:
Not-for-profit community interest company
New Carnival is a not-for-profit community interest company, if you enjoy carnivals and want to support young people’s creativity on the Isle of Wight please consider donating, so we can continue to put on the Mardi Gras.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
