CARNIVALS across the Isle of Wight have been cancelled once again due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Following last year's call-offs, the Isle of Wight Carnival Federation has announced today (Friday) events will not take place this summer.

The following carnival processions will not take place:

  • Cowes
  • Newport
  • Shanklin
  • Ventnor
  • St Helens
  • Sandown

A statement from the IW Carnival Federation said: "Despite having no summer carnival processions in 2021, each carnival association may plan to hold smaller local events depending on restrictions at the time.

"We will be back, making 2022, a Celebration Carnival Season."

On social media, the Newport Carnival Committee said they were sharing the news they 'did not wish to share once again'.

They said: "Sadly, for the second year running, we have come to the decision that due to the uncertainty still around the coronavirus pandemic, little time to organise with restrictions still in place, it seems only right to cancel the summer carnival season for the second year running.

"Although the UK Government has indicated that the country could be out of coronavirus restrictions by the 21st of June, it is just too late in the day to think about putting on a procession.

"So much time and effort go into organising carnivals, building floats and relying heavily on sponsors, it is not a suitable time to put extra strain on businesses, especially as so many have been closed for so long."

The committee said to keep an eye on its social media channels for more information about any upcoming events.

Events last year also fell foul of the pandemic, with few activities taking place.