New Carnival is proud to announce that it has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £9,720 for an exciting heritage project taking place in the south of the Isle of Wight this summer.
Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project will explore, interpret and celebrate a 28 mile stretch of the coastline of the Isle of Wight which is already designated as Heritage Coast due to its unspoilt landscapes, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage.
Creating new narratives
Over a six-month period, the project works with scientists, environmentalists, museums, artists, schools, wider community groups, walking groups and members of the public to collate stories and create new narratives, excite learning and expression, create responses and celebrations, all inspired by the heritage coast.
The Tennyson Heritage Coast falls within Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (IWAONB) and is managed by that organisation. Isle of Wight is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Three-day outdoor event
A three-day outdoor weekend event will take place on 9th-11th June 2023 and an exhibition of work will be curated and shown over the summer holidays, for locals and visitors alike.
The project is New Carnival’s response to National Year of the Coast 2023 and to an ongoing awareness, inclusion and local ownership initiative for the new England Coast Path (ECP) – National Trail – completion expected in 2024.
‘Crossing the Bar’
The Island’s coastal path accounts for about 128km of that 4,500 km route. New Carnival has been piloting work in coastal villages since 2021 (known as ‘Crossing the Bar’ after Tennyson, who lived here), and this year will mark a significant step change in ambition and wider audience engagement, building to a planned Island-wide finale with Natural England in 2024-25.
Ray: The grant will ensure we reach even wider audiences
Hannah Ray, Executive Director for the New Carnival said.
“We are delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players.
“The grant will ensure we reach even wider audiences with high quality engagement activities that will inspire, inform, and connect people to the landscapes they live in.”
News shared by Gemma on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
