Following the success of this year’s Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, New Carnival CIC has announced it has secured £19,514 from The National Lottery Community Fund to launch a new project – Carnival Island Connections.
Thanks to the funding, New Carnival will take its vibrant, inclusive brand of carnival to communities across the East Wight this summer and beyond. The project will deliver free community costume-making workshops in 7 towns, including Ryde, Newport, East Cowes, St Helens, Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor.
Residents will be invited to create colourful costumes and props to showcase in their local carnival parades.
Workshops begin in Shanklin on 29th July, followed by Newport on 30th and 31st July, St Helens on 19th August, East Cowes on 20th August, Ryde on 21st August and Sandown on 26th August. More details can be found at www.newcarnival.co.uk or on New Carnival’s social media channels.
The grant will also help fund the hire of a truck to transport New Carnival’s large-scale puppets and costumes to each event, adding extra spectacle to the island’s summer carnivals and children’s parades. The project also includes support for the Isle of Wight Steam Punk Festival, Bonfire Night celebrations and Christmas parades in Newport and Ventnor.
Gemma Mallinson, Director of Engagement and Development at New Carnival, has said:
“This grant means everything. It allows us to bring more people together, reach more communities, and share the joy of carnival creativity in new and meaningful ways. It’s about making the arts accessible, joyful and community-led. Widening our support for the Island’s rich carnival heritage and traditions, which date back to Queen Victoria, has been on our to do list for many years – and now we can!”
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Local carnival organisers have welcomed the news. Jo Morrison, Chair of Ryde Carnival, said:
“It is essential that we work together to keep our Isle of Wight heritage of carnival alive for future generations. Working with professional organisations like New Carnival Company is vital for offering inclusive and affordable workshops. If New Carnival can hold workshops for all age groups in our town, Ryde Carnival will become a more diverse and inclusive parade.”
Teresa Preston, Chair of Ventnor Carnival Association and Federation Treasurer, added:
“We would very much like New Carnival to be able to offer costume workshops and bring over some of their wonderful large costumes. We’ve been impressed by their creativity and all-inclusive approach – what a lovely addition it will be to have those large, fantastic costumes in our carnival.”
The Carnival Island Connections project aims not only to brighten the streets of the East Wight but also to help combat social isolation, boost wellbeing and empower local volunteers and creatives – especially young people looking to build skills in the arts.
Quiet fireworks please. I expect a whoosh on their way up but there is no need for an extremely loud bang when they arrive high up in the air. A visual display for everyone to enjoy would be much appreciated.