Isle of Wight schools embrace National Children’s Carnival Week

The New Carnival Company has been busy working with children and young people across the Island to celebrate the end of a very challenging academic year by putting on their own carnival events.

This six-day programme took place all over the country — as far afield as Manchester, Norwich, Derby, Bristol, Luton, Hastings and London.

The project was the brainchild of the New Carnival Company in collaboration with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts in Luton, designed to keep the carnival spirit alive in the wake of the pandemic and another season of cancelled carnival events.

Schools that took place on the the Island included Lanesend Primary, Greenmount Primary, Yarmouth and Shalfleet Primary Schools, St Mary’s RC Primary School, the Bay CE School, Wroxall Primary, Broadlea Primary, Arreton Primary, Wootton Primary, Isle of Wight College Pathways Students, Ryde Junior School and other non-school groups like Carni-beat Community Group and the residents of Kingston Farmhouse.

Participants created their own costumes with the support of NCC carnival artists and using a host of new online practical resources accessed free of charge via the company’s website.

There was a 2021 national carnival anthem to sing and share called This is Our Carnival, courtesy of Isle of Wight Music Hub composer Jo Downs.

The theme of the celebrations across the Island was Colours of the Rainbow, with a nod to all NHS staff and key workers who have supported the community throughout the pandemic.

Frankie Goldspink, NCC creative director, said: "National Children’s Carnival Week is bringing about celebration, camaraderie and a riot of colour to the close of an unprecedented school year. We are sharing a sense of optimism and togetherness, and all of us are looking forward to taking part in a grand live carnival event back on the streets next summer."

To get involved in anything carnival related, contact Frankie on frankie@thenewcarnivalcompany.com or 07794 699558.