IW Mardi Gras 2026 Officially Launched With Folktastic Isle Theme

New Carnival has officially launched IW Mardi Gras 2026 at Quay Arts in Newport, welcoming representatives from local schools, community groups and youth organisations for an inspiring evening at the Minghella Theatre.

The event brought together film, folklore and future plans, setting the tone for what promises to be another vibrant and inclusive Island celebration.

The launch opened with the world premiere of Folktastic Isle – The Wheel of the Year, a lively 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, each representing the Isle of Wight’s seasonal traditions.

The video is now available to watch below, as well as via New Carnival’s YouTube channel and across its social media platforms.

Following the screening, the New Carnival team unveiled the theme for 2026: 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 rich inspiration for schools, artists and community groups planning to take part.

With 2026 also being the National Year of Reading, organisers said the focus on stories and legends feels especially fitting.

New Carnival Director Hannah Ray 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 spoke about his work with Folklore Without Borders, a research network exploring how greater equality, diversity and inclusion can be embedded within UK folklore.

He also shared insights into Island stories such as the Pied Piper of Newtown and discussed the upcoming ratification of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage framework, which celebrates living heritage practices such as carnival.

New Carnival also outlined the wide range of support available for anyone wishing to get involved in IW Mardi Gras 2026.

The event is open to everyone, with the grand parade set to take place in Ryde on Saturday 4 July.

Thanks to New Carnival’s Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding, a substantial programme of free support is available to schools, community groups and individuals.

The organisation’s team of artists and educators can also be booked to deliver in-school workshops, after-school clubs and bespoke creative sessions in the lead-up to the parade.

A highlight of the evening was a live demonstration from the New Carnival Dance Troupe leaders, giving attendees a taste of the choreography and energy planned for the celebrations.

The troupe will also be offering dance workshops and after-school clubs, with free taster sessions available.

For those unable to attend the launch, full details on how to get involved and access support are available by contacting New Carnival.

IW Mardi Gras continues to be one of the Isle of Wight’s most joyful and inclusive cultural events, bringing creativity, community and celebration to the heart of Ryde.