Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to summer on the Isle of Wight.

Saturday 23rd August- Children's Carnival Day! (10am-3pm) 

At the tail end of the Covid pandemic with uncertainty about whether we would be able to hold any Carnivals, we decided to put on a Week of Events instead as it presented a far more controllable environment for these unusual times. With the help of Shademakers, New Carnival Company, Raw Samba, Huxley the Magician and many more we put on a number of fun and engaging activities for the entire family.
This event was so well received that we have decided to replace the traditional Children’s Carnival parade with the Children’s Carnival Day which will include a whole host of family-orientated events. These will take place in nearby locations like Minghella’s Square and the Town Square and also have a Children’s Carnival Parade.
Following on from last year’s extended Childrens Carnival Day Parade route, we will again be continuing down pedestrian precinct and onto the High St, turning right into Cross St, then heading up George St and along Star St before heading back into the pedestrian precinct. This allows for a better Children’s Carnival parade experience as it was obvious in the first year that we had too many entires and spectators for the pedestrian area alone.
There will be dance performances which you can join in, magic shows and competitions going on during the day and culminating in the Children’s Carnival Parade.

Thursday 28th August- Main Carnival Day! (Starting at 6:30pm)

Ryde Main Carnival is our early-evening event for all the family. Now returned by popular request to the traditional day of Thursday, it’s a chance to get together and have a last bit of Summer Holiday fun before the kids go back to school!
Thursday 28th August 2025

5:00pm Assembly commences at Ryde Esplanade & Canoe Lake.
5:30pm Judging
6:30pm  Procession moves off
All entries should report to the control point at the bottom of East Hill Road to be checked in and assigned to their assembly points.f

Saturday 30th August- Illumination Parade! (Starting at 8:30pm)

Ryde Illuminated Carnival is what we consider the biggest and best of all the carnivals on the island. It is the last carnival of the season where each year thousands of spectators crowd the streets of Ryde and (people of a nervous disposition beware) the crowds can be boisterous and some of the entries at this late-evening event can be a little scary! Come and join the fun and soak up the heady atmosphere of the evening.
SATURDAY 30th August 2025

7:00pm Assemble Esplanade & Canoe Lake
7:30pm Judging
8:30pm Procession moves off
All entries should report to the control point at the bottom of East Hill Road to be checked in before being assigned to their assembly points.