Samba and marching bands, the amazing carnival costumes of Shademakers UK, Joe Plumb’s Horse Box Theatre, fun and magic from David Randini and Stevo and Kai, and the ever popular Derek Sandy are all part of the entertainment lined up by Sandown Carnival for summer 2023.
Events get under way with the town’s Children’s and Main Carnival on Saturday 29th July, followed by Sandown Bay Regatta on the weekend of 13th August and Sandown Illuminated Carnival on Wednesday 30th August.
Click on images to see larger versions
![Joe Plumb and team © Horse Box Theatre](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/Joe-Plumb-and-team.-Photo-Horse-Box-Theatree-640x599.jpg)
What to expect
There will be no Regatta fireworks this year, but the traditional event revived by Sandown Carnival will once again see an Esplanade street market and performance stage.
![Regatta beach games © Sandown Carnival](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/Regatta-Punch-and-Judy-2022.-Photo-Sandown-Carnival.-640x487.jpg)
There’ll be entertainment at Eastern Gardens featuring a DJ, Punch and Judy show and beach games including a hotly anticipated battle for the 2023 Tug of War trophy.
![Regatta beach games © Sandown Carnival](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/Regatta-beach-games-2022.-Photo-Sandown-Carnival.-640x453.jpg)
![David Randini © Sandown Carnival](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/David-Randini.-Photo-Sandown-Carnival.-640x772.jpg)
On-the-water activities offered by Sandown’s beach concessionaires will be promoted throughout the Regatta weekend.
![Derek Sandy © Sandown Carnival](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/Derek-Sandy.-Photo-Sandown-Carnival.-640x890.jpg)
Coueslant: Concentrating resources on our parades and the family entertainment
Sandown Carnival chair, Paul Coueslant, says,
“As usual, we’re expecting thousands to enjoy our 2023 events. We’re disappointed not to be putting on a Regatta fireworks display but, in the tougher financial climate, we’ve decided to concentrate resources on our parades and the family entertainment we bring in for our Regatta and Main Carnival days.
“We can’t wait to welcome Sandown’s residents and visitors again in July and August and, as always, appreciate donations to help fund our work”
Details of Sandown Carnival’s 2023 events can be found on their Facebook page and on their Website.
![Stevo and Kai © Stevo and Kai](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/Stevo-and-Kai.-Photo-Stevo-and-Kais-Facebook-page.--640x594.jpg)
Show your support
Donations can be made online or at the Carnival Shop, 77a High Street, Sandown PO36 8AD.
£300 to help with costs of parade entry
For anyone planning to take part in Sandown’s 2023 summer parades, there’s still time to apply for up to £300 to help with the costs of your entry.
![Bird's eye view of Sandown Illuminated Carnival 2022 Image: © Milan Drahonovsky](https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2023/05/Birds-eye-view-of-Sandown-Illuminated-Carnival-2022.-Photo-Milan-Drahonovsky-640x469.jpg)
Details can be found on the Website or the Carnival Shop, applications to be submitted by Monday 29th May.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Sandown Carnival Association. Ed
Image: © Paul Bird Photography