Ventnor Carnival returns to the town this August, with organisers choosing an Art Deco theme to mark the decline of the Ventnor Winter Gardens.
Winter Gardens tribute
The Art Deco building once hosted carnival balls and touring acts. Organisers said it remains part of Ventnor even as its future looks uncertain.
Carnival Week 2026 also marks a hundred years since Ventnor crowned its first Carnival King.
In 1926, Mr Frank King took that title, with Muriel Burge crowned Queen alongside him.
First king in a century
This year, Blake Leyman Gulliver becomes Senior King, the first since Frank King a century ago.
Myla May Edwards joins him as Junior Queen.
Community fayre opens the week
The Carnival celebrations gets under way on Saturday 8th August, with a community fayre in the park from 12 noon.
Stalls, live music and food vendors will fill the park, alongside a dedicated children’s area run by Caulkhead Productions. Performers Mr Oddjob and Poppy will entertain younger visitors with sketches through the afternoon.
The bandstand will host live music acts across the day, with the adjoining putting green open too.
Children’s parade and crowning
The Children’s Parade steps off on Wednesday 12th August at noon, when Blake will be formally crowned Senior King.
The main procession follows that evening, leaving Dudley Road at 7pm.
Organisers have also flagged a lunar eclipse to coincide with carnival week.
Full programme through the week
Monday 10th August brings children’s competitions, followed by a dog show on Tuesday 11th August.
Friday 14th August sees a treasure hunt, with an art exhibition opening on Saturday 15th August.
Pirate Fest runs alongside the carnival for the full week.
The full programme is available online or in shops around Ventnor.
The week ends on Saturday 15th August with the illuminated carnival parade, starting at 9pm.
