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The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2024, themed 'The Story of Carnival' and orchestrated by New Carnival, delighted spectators and participants last Saturday (July 6).
Despite the wet and windy weather in the morning, the skies cleared just in time, allowing the much-anticipated parade to proceed under sunny conditions.
The event kicked off with the Mini Mardi Gras, a series of free activities for young children from 11am to 2:30pm.
Around 150 children enjoyed face painting by Unique Technique, storytelling from Sue Bailey, circus skills with Wyld Wood Workshops, samba drumming, boomwhacker fun with Yes Creative Beats, and carnival crafts with Hollie from the New Carnival team.
As parade groups gathered at Simeon Rec, safety concerns due to high winds necessitated the exclusion of the largest costume pieces.
This included the brand-new Green Man puppet, crafted during New Carnival's Masterclass weekend with Thingumajig Theatre.
However, the Green Man puppet will be showcased at various events throughout the summer.
Fifteen schools participated, showcasing extraordinary costumes designed and made by the children themselves, 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 Isle of Wight Summer Carnivals
- Dover Park Primary School dressed in costumes inspired by Dia de los Muertos from Mexico
- The Isle of Wight College dazzled 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
- Arreton 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 (Aided) Primary School wore red white and blue costumes inspired by Notting Hill Carnival.