The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2024, themed ‘The Story of Carnival’, delighted spectators and participants last weekend in Ryde.

Despite the wet and windy weather in the morning, the skies cleared just in time, allowing for the much-anticipated parade to proceed under sunny conditions.

The New Carnival event kicked off with the Mini Mardi Gras, a series of free activities for young children, seeing around 150 youngsters enjoy face painting by Unique Technique, storytelling by Sue Bailey, circus skills with Wyld Wood Workshops and much more.

Unfortunately, due to high winds, the largest costume pieces were excluded from the parade.

The Mardi Gras Parade on Union StreetThe Mardi Gras Parade on Union Street (Image: New Carnival)

15 Island schools participated, showcasing extraordinary costumes designed and made by the children, alongside brilliant dancing and enthusiastic smiles.

The parade featured the following schools:

  • Godshill Primary School depicting the Ancient Egyptian celebration of Sham El Nessim.
  • Wroxall Primary School embodying the Venice Carnival.
  • St Helens Primary School celebrating May Day and Beltane.
  • St Georges School drawing inspiration from the Disability Pride Flag.
  • Binstead Primary School representing the Quebec Carnival.
  • Priory School celebrating IW Summer Carnivals.
  • Dover Park Primary School dressed in costumes inspired by Dia de los Muertos from Mexico.
  • The IW College in authentic costumes from Rio in Brazil, rescued from landfill by the Sustenta Carnaval project and brought to the UK.
  • Medina House shared their vision of the Future of Carnival (in space!)
  • Gatten and Lake Primary School represented Bridgewater Carnival inspired by Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night
  • Arretton CE Primary School represented the European carnival tradition of big heads.
  • Broadlea Primary School envisioning the Future of Carnival.
  • Ryde School Pre-Prep donning costumes inspired by the birds of Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Ryde Academy wore Pride Parade-themed costumes made by New Carnival’s Youth Project Isle of Creativity.
  • Oakfield CE Primary School wore red, white and blue costumes inspired by Notting Hill Carnival.

To enhance accessibility, two groups joined the parade midway: The Way Forward Programme with Caribbean Carnivals Junkanoo-inspired costumes and Medina House School with a galactic take on the Future of Carnival.

Community groups, including Carni Beats from Sandown, Monkton Arts, Burlesque Chair Dancers, and the Isle of Wight Indonesian Community, enhanced the parade with their beautiful costumes and fantastic dancing.