The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2024, themed “The Story of Carnival” and orchestrated by New Carnival, delighted spectators and participants on Saturday, 6th July 2024.
Despite the wet and windy weather in the morning, the skies cleared just in time, allowing the much-anticipated parade to proceed under sunny conditions.
A series of free activities for young children
The event kicked off with the Mini Mardi Gras, a series of free activities for young children from 11am to 2:30pm. Approximately 150 children enjoyed face painting by Unique Technique, storytelling from Sue Bailey, circus skills with Wyld Wood Workshops, samba drumming, boomwhacker fun with Yes Creative Beats, and carnival crafts with Hollie from the New Carnival team.
Strong winds
As parade groups gathered at Simeon Rec, safety concerns due to high winds necessitated the exclusion of the largest costume pieces. This included the brand-new Green Man puppet, crafted during New Carnival’s Masterclass weekend with Thingumajig Theatre. However, the Green Man puppet will be showcased at various events throughout the summer.
Despite this setback, the parade dazzled with the debut of the community-made cardboard big head puppets and the cheeky burrokeet (hobby horse) costumes created by volunteers Linda, Heather, and Charlie.
15 schools involved
Fifteen schools participated, showcasing extraordinary costumes designed and made by the children themselves, alongside brilliant dancing and enthusiastic smiles. The parade featured the following schools:
- Godshill Primary School depicting the Ancient Egyptian celebration of Sham El Nessim.
- Wroxall Primary School embodying the Venice Carnival.
- St Helens Primary School celebrating May Day and Beltane.
- St Georges School drawing inspiration from the Disability Pride Flag.
- Binstead Primary School representing the Quebec Carnival.
- Priory School celebrating Isle of Wight Summer Carnivals.
- Dover Park Primary School dressed in costumes inspired by Dia de los Muertos from Mexico.
- The Isle of Wight College dazzled in authentic costumes from Rio in Brazil rescued from landfill by the Sustenta Carnaval project and brought to the UK.
- Medina House shared their vision of the Future of Carnival (in space!)
- Gatten and Lake Primary School represented Bridgewater Carnival inspired by Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night
- Arretton CE Primary School represented the European carnival tradition of big heads.
- Broadlea Primary School envisioning the Future of Carnival.
- Ryde School Pre-Prep donning costumes inspired by the birds of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Ryde Academy wore Pride Parade themed costumes made by New Carnival’s Youth Project Isle of Creativity.
- Oakfield CE (Aided) Primary School wore red white and blue costumes inspired by Notting Hill Carnival.
Inclusive
To enhance accessibility, two groups joined the parade midway: The Way Forward Programme with Caribbean Carnivals Junkanoo-inspired costumes and Medina House School with a galactic take on the Future of Carnival.
Nottingham’s Zodiac Allstars brought their incredible dance moves and infectious energy, while Coco P, traveling from the mainland, presided over the parade. Thanks to Wightlink‘s support, visiting groups and performers added tremendous value to the event. The Isle of Wight College and Keert.uk provided eco-friendly cargo bikes adorned with willow sculptures by New Carnival, ensuring a petrol and diesel-free parade.
Community partners
Community groups, including Carni Beats from Sandown, Monkton Arts, Burlesque Chair Dancers, and the Isle of Wight Indonesian Community, enhanced the parade with their beautiful costumes and fantastic dancing.
Complete our survey
New Carnival is funded by Arts Council England. Audience members are encouraged to complete the Arts Council feedback survey to help improve future events.
The second half of the survey are mandatory questions from the Arts Council, please feel free to tick ‘prefer not to say’ if you do not wish to answer them.
To complete the survey please visit the website.
News shared by Gemma on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
