IW Mardi Gras 2026 has been officially launched by New Carnival at Quay Arts in Newport, bringing together schools, community groups and youth organisations for an evening celebrating Island folklore and future plans.
The launch event took place on Wednesday 28th January at Quay Arts, where guests gathered in the Minghella Theatre for a programme of film, discussion and live performance.
Proceedings began with the world premiere of Folktastic Isle – The Wheel of the Year, a music video created as part of last year’s IW Mardi Gras. The film celebrates the 24 schools and community groups that took part in the 2025 event, showcasing seasonal traditions from across the Isle of Wight.
Following the screening, the New Carnival team unveiled the theme for IW Mardi Gras 2026, titled Folktastic Isle – Stories, Myths and Legends. The theme will be explored through three creative strands – Creatures, People and Places – drawing on both historical and contemporary Island folklore.
Stories highlighted during the presentation included The Gooseberry Wife, the Brighstone Dragon tree, Hobson – Hero of the Navy, Chuffle, the Lost Village of Wolverton and the Legend of Puckaster, offering inspiration for those planning to take part in the event.
With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, organisers said the focus on storytelling was particularly fitting. New Carnival Director Hannah Ray has said:
“Stories matter because they are part of what makes us human. They help us understand the world and our place in it. Carnival is a powerful storytelling space, a way to explore history, identity and ideas with creativity and humour.”
Guest speaker and local folklorist Paul Cowdell also addressed attendees, sharing his work with the Folklore Without Borders research network, which aims to embed greater equality, diversity and inclusion within UK folklore. He spoke about Isle of Wight stories including the Pied Piper of Newtown, as well as the upcoming ratification of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage framework, which recognises living heritage practices such as carnival.
New Carnival confirmed that IW Mardi Gras 2026 is open to everyone, with a wide range of free support available thanks to its Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding. The grand parade will take place in Ryde on Saturday 4th July 2026.
In addition to free support, New Carnival’s team of artists and educators can be booked to deliver in-school workshops, after-school clubs and bespoke creative sessions in the lead-up to the parade.
A live demonstration from the New Carnival Dance Troupe leaders was also held during the launch, giving attendees a preview of the choreography and energy planned for 2026. The group will be offering dance workshops and after-school clubs ahead of the event, with free taster sessions available by emailing [email protected].
Those who were unable to attend the launch can find out how to get involved or access support by emailing [email protected].
IW Mardi Gras remains one of the Isle of Wight’s largest and most inclusive cultural events, bringing communities together through creativity and celebration in the heart of Ryde.
