New Carnival is a pioneering arts organisation on the Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Dark Skies Festival

New Carnival

Our Vision: Affect positive change for the future.

A happy, enriched, bold, creative community.
People together.

Our Mission: Engage communities through celebratory
outdoor arts.

Creating exciting, vibrant art projects which are inspired by the natural environment, heritage and the world we live in. Cultivating a sense of pride, place and belonging.

About Us

We are based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, an island with a quirky carnival tradition dating back to 1887. New Carnival is a small not for profit company with global ambition and reach.

We deliver vibrant, exciting, and inventive carnival-based art projects inspired by the natural environment, heritage, and the world we live in. We showcase creative expression, cultivating a sense of pride, place and belonging.

New Carnival was formed in 2011 with the aim of providing excellence in learning and raising the aspirations of adults and children through carnival and celebratory arts. This continues to this day; our vision is to spark creative possibility, enrich communities and
enhance lives.

We aim to make a positive statement through innovative, dynamic, and sustainable carnival arts events.

What We Do and Why?

We work closely within our local community providing opportunities to learn creative skills, build confidence, foster wellbeing, and to present work publicly.

We work with our community, likeminded arts organisations and freelancers, the national and international carnival sector, promoting the artform, championing the artists and collectively addressing environmental responsibility.

We are proud to be part of Arts Council England’s National portfolio.

News, Press Releases Celebrating IW UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status at Mardi Gras

The New Carnival Company’s (NCC) colourful Mardi Gras on Saturday (29 June) brought a carnival atmosphere to the streets of Ryde, while showcasing everything that is special about our beautiful [...]

2 Jul 2019 Full article

News, Press Releases Oakfield Primary School pupils visit Brading Roman Villa for Mardi Gras inspiration

On June 29, the New Carnival Company’s (NCC) Mardi Gras will take place in Ryde, and preparation for the ‘Biosphere Island’ theme is now underway. All participating school and community [...]

22 Jan 2019 Full article