103 years of
Newport Carnival
Newport Carnival —
The carnival at the heart of the Isle of WIght
The Isle of Wight comes alive at the thought of carnivals and what a great way to celebrate the carnival season with Newport Carnival.
Traditionally, Newport has been the first carnival of the summer carnival season, with the first procession being at the end of July, normally around the time Schools break up for their summer holidays. However, due to how the dates fall in 2025 and 2026 we have pushed our main carnival date back slightly, with it being on the first Saturday of August.
It’s not just the one procession that takes place here in Newport, there is also another, Illuminated procession that fills the central town of the Island with colour and light.
Throughout the year, Newport Carnival hosts other events such as their popular Christmas Parade that cascades around the town, kickstarting the festive season.
Newport
Main
Saturday 2nd august 2025
Watch the streets come alive as Newport Carnival kicks of it’s main procession on the first Saturday of August!
If you wish to take part or to find out more information on this year’s main procession, click the link below.
Newport
Illuminated
Thursday 21st August 2025
The illuminated procession will bring colour to the streets of Newport, watch the magic unfold.
If you wish to take part or to find out more information on this year’s illuminated procession, click the link below.
Riverfest
Saturday 10th May 2025
Come along to Riverfest, a fun, free, family event that takes place on The Quay in Newport.
The award-winning Riverfest is organised and run by Newport Carnival & Community Events Association.
Newport Carnival News
2024 Newport Carnival: Year in Review
Newport Carnival would like to wish all our supporters the very best Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2024, like most, has been a challenging year for many, Newport wasn’t an exception. We had some logistical issues which raised their
Red Funnel Names Chair of Newport Carnival, Paddy McHugh, Isle of Wight Tourism Hero 2024
Newport Carnival’s Chair Paddy McHugh named Isle of Wight Tourism Hero of the Year 2024 by Red Funnel.
Come and take part!
We are always welcoming new people to the carnival scene and anyone wishing to take part in the parade can do so, free of charge!
All you have to do is turn up with a float or on foot with a theme and you’ll be entered.
We pick our Carnival Queens around April so make sure you look out for that if you or you know of someone who might be interested.
If you wish to find out more on how to be a part of Newport Carnival this summer, then please do not hesitate and get in touch.
