One of the Isle of Wight’s longest-running carnivals is forging ahead with plans for summer 2026, despite suffering a double financial blow that led to the cancellation of this year’s New Year fireworks display.
Founded in 1889, Sandown Carnival was forced to axe the popular January 2026 event after being hit by unexpected costs throughout 2025. According to the group’s annual report, presented at this week’s AGM, a large and unanticipated service charge was issued in February in relation to the group’s High Street fundraising shop. This was followed by a tripling of the business rates for its float-building and storage site on the outskirts of the town.
The report explains that these costs left organisers with no choice but to cancel one of their biggest upcoming events. The decision to scrap the 2026 New Year’s Day fireworks was described as “sad and difficult”, but one that has helped stabilise the group’s finances ahead of the summer.
The Carnival now also faces being displaced from its long-time base at East Yar Road. The site, used for float storage since the 1970s, is set to be redeveloped by Southern Water as part of plans for a new water recycling works.
In the AGM report, the committee states:
“We’ve had to begin the search for a new home. At the time of writing, a final outcome for the company’s plans is not settled and we continue to discuss with Southern Water their potential financial support for our relocation.”
Despite these challenges, Sandown Carnival chair Paul Coueslant remains positive about the summer season. Paul Coueslant, Chair, has said:
“Community groups like ours always live on a bit of a financial knife-edge.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re run entirely by volunteers and depend on the support of the public, local businesses and the Town Council as well as the income from our High Street fundraising shop.
“We’re confident that taking the drastic step of cancelling one of our big events puts us back on an even keel and means we can stage all this year’s summer entertainment that Sandown’s residents and visitors expect.”
The public can support Sandown Carnival via its shop at 77a High Street, Sandown PO36 8AD or online at www.sandowncarnival.com/donate.
Sandown Carnival Association’s AGM takes place upstairs at Sandown Library, 119 High Street, PO36 8AF on Saturday 31st January at 14:30. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
