Isle of Wight Carnivals

We’re delighted to once again be able to share the beautiful Isle of Wight with you, our visitors.

Before planning your Island escape now or in the future, please read the latest  Government guidelines in regards to COVID-19 and put your own health and wellness, and that of those around you first.

See our Good to Go Directory for new measures and processes in place at your favourite hotel, restaurant, attraction and more across the Island.

Welcome back! The Isle of Wight is Good to Go.

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Each major town hosts an evening of colourful frivolity as a stream of floats make their way through the centre of town. Thousands of onlookers line the streets to catch a glimpse of Rio on the Isle of Wight. Floats are hugely varied and carry pageant queens, local community groups and even pets in fancy dress! If you’re looking for things to do on the Island, attending a carnival is a box you have to tick.

As well as being quite a spectacle, the Isle of Wight carnivals have their own claim to fame. The town of Ryde hosts the oldest carnival in the UK which has also won the "UK's Most Popular Carnival" award chosen by the UK’s rental giants HolidayLettings.co.uk.

See the results here

Queen Victoria was a patron of the carnival which first took place in 1887 in celebration of her Diamond Jubilee. Make sure you check the 'whats on' calendar when you’re choosing which carnival to attend. Most carnivals happen in the daylight, but some towns host an illuminated carnival where the procession parades through the night, creating a fantastic light display. All carnivals are free to attend and are very popular, with up to 40,000 people lining the streets to take part in the celebrations, so make sure you arrive early to grab a great viewing spot.

Download the carnival timetable