When is the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras?
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2024 dates have not been confirmed yet.
Where is the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras?
The Isle of Wight is an island that sits off the southern coast of England. The 2019 Isle of Wight Mardi Gras takes place in Ryde, Town Centre and Esplanade. Ryde is a seaside town and civil parish that is located on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight.
What is the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras?
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is an annual carnival celebration that is held in Ryde, UK every last Saturday in June. The carnival was inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras with a little fusion from Latin and Caribbean carnivals.
What is Mardi Gras? Well Mardi Gras actually means ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent. Around the world there has been a tradition of feasting and celebration known as Mardi Gras or Carnival that is associated with the Catholic tradition of Lent.
Whilst this Mardi Gras celebration is not associated with Lent, it still embodies the spirit of carnival! Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is one of the biggest events of the year on the island. It is all about uniting the community and putting on an event that everyone can enjoy and create memories that you can hold on it.
How do they celebrate the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras?
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is of course all about community! They have a jam-packed program to suit everyone’s taste! It is celebrated with lots of dance, music, good food and drink, shows, entertainment, games and activities. Of course, the highlight of the Mardi Gras celebration is the parade which is a spectacular event to see.
Isle of Wight Mardi Gras Parade
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras Parade will use the inspiration from the Island’s USPs and the special characteristics that were outlined in the documented that was submitted to UNESCO. The document has ten headings which are Geology, Landscape, Wildlife, Historic Environment, Culture, Dark Skies, Woodlands and Forests, Tourism and Recreation and Food and Farming.
These overarching themes will be developed and portrayed on the streets during Mardi Gras. Learning and researching about the theme will underpin the design of all the various costume sections that is contributed by the young people of the area and made in creative workshops run by parents, teachers and volunteers.
About 30 schools and community organisations, along with samba bands and some visiting carnival groups take part in the parade. A record number of groups are taking part this year and over 1000 costumes are being created for the parade. The parade will feature around 800 children and young people in gorgeous carnival costumes, performing some impressive choreography.
How to get to Isle of Wight Birmingham?
There is no commercial airport on the Isle of Wight but visitors from far away can fly to London’s airports and drive, bus or train to the area. Wightlink has two car ferry services to the Isle of Wight, one from Fishbourne and another from Portsmouth with both journeys taking around 40 minutes.
Where to stay in Isle of Wight?
There are so many accommodation options in Isle of Wight, it really just depends on what your budget is and the level of comfort you are after. Additionally, while the Isle of Wight isn’t large there are many different villages and towns that each have their own unique feel and vibe.
If you want to stay close to the carnival then book your accommodation in Ryde which is where the Mardi Gras celebrations take place. Ryde and nearby town Newport are the most populated towns on the island with supermarkets, cinemas, beaches and many seafront attractions.
On the south-east coastline of the Isle of Wight are the towns of Sandown or Shanklin. This is another busy area filled with hotels, sandy beaches and clean oceans. East Wight is a bit out of the way, but is home to some amazing seafront properties here you can stay at Bembridge, Seaview and St. Helens.
The South Wight is home to the towns Ventnor, Bonchurch, St Lawrence, Blackgang and Niton which has a number of posh hotels and restaurants. West Wight is the least developed part of the island but has an abundance of greenery, eroding cliffs and charming villages. If you are after a quieter place to stay then check out Freshwater, Totland, Colwell, Brighstone and Yarmouth.
Check out Booking.com for some accommodation deals in the Isle of Wight here.
Book your Hotel and Flight for the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras
What to do and see in Isle of Wight?
The Isle of Wight is an incredible place to visit! It has an abundance of natural beauty, tranquillity, greenery, sandy beaches, pristine ocean and panoramic views of remote counties. You can enjoy water sports or take some incredible hikes. There are also great pubs, shops and restaurants.
The Isle of Wight also has a rich history! You can visit Carisbroke Castle, which was where King Charles was locked up prior to his execution. Also Osborne House which was beloved by Queen Victoria.
Check out the top things to do in the Isle of Wight on Viator
