East Cowes has once again come alive with colour, music and community spirit as the town’s carnival returned for its second year following its spectacular revival in 2025.
Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered across East Cowes last night (Saturday) in anticipation of the much-loved carnival parade.
The event marks another major milestone for East Cowes Carnival, which made its long-awaited return last year after a 30-year absence.
Following the success of that comeback, organisers have worked throughout the past year to build on the event and establish it as a regular fixture in the Island’s summer calendar.
The procession set off at around 19:15, bringing a colourful mixture of homemade floats, carnival royalty, performers, marching bands and community groups through the streets of East Cowes.
The revival of East Cowes Carnival has been driven by a dedicated team of volunteers, with support from local businesses and organisations helping to make the event possible.
Organisers said ahead of this year’s event that the overwhelming response to the first carnival had demonstrated just how much the celebration meant to the East Cowes community.
And, with the second carnival now successfully completed, the town has once again demonstrated that the carnival tradition is firmly back.
All eyes now turn to Sandown, which will host the Island’s next carnival, Sandown Illuminated at Culver Parade on 26th August at 20:30.
