There will be no New Year’s Day fireworks in Sandown in January, organisers have confirmed, as the town’s carnival committee redirects its limited funds towards staging next Summer’s events.
The decision follows what Sandown Carnival says has been a ‘double-whammy’ of unexpected costs, including a steep rise in rates at the group’s float-building site and large bills linked to its High Street fundraising shop.
“As a non-profit community group, it costs us tens of thousands of pounds each year to put on our events and we usually manage to break even with the important financial help of the public, local businesses and other valued supporters like Sandown Town Council.
Article continues below this advertisement But this recent double-whammy of financial blows has forced us to find an unbudgeted sum of around £10,000 and we’re really sorry that means there’ll be no New Year fireworks in 2026.
On the plus side, we intend to fully fund our 2026 summer events with all the ingredients that have made them so successful in recent years, attracting thousands to Sandown to enjoy the fun and entertainment on offer.”
Despite the disappointment, Carnival chair Paul Coueslant says the move will ensure the continued success of the town’s summer celebrations.
The 2026 programme has now been confirmed:
• Sandown Children’s Carnival – Saturday 25th July (daytime)
• Sandown Main Carnival – Saturday 25th July (evening)
• Sandown Bay Regatta – Sunday 9th August (all-day)
• Sandown Illuminated Carnival – Wednesday 26th August (evening)
Full details will be published at www.sandowncarnival.com and on the Sandown Carnival Facebook page.
be sure to increase local taxes, car parks, toilets, hitting business for stupid things (stealth taxes) pier threating to close, keep paying for those taxis, tut tut tut disgraceful
Such a shame, it would be nice if the Council
funded the fireworks, they have let the businesses
of Sandown down, it’s the least they can do.
Just wondering what the hell Sandown Council is spending it’s money on this year, because it sure isn’t Sandown.
Yet the Council allow vehicles to park “free” of charge
on Pavements in Sandown.
Just look outside the old tourist information centre
opposite Sandown pier
FULL OF VEHICLES EVADING PARKING CHARGES
364 days a year
Lol