Campsites near Ryde Carnival, Isle of Wight

Route and times

Both evening parades assemble on the Esplanade and at Canoe Lake. In 2026 the Main Carnival assembled from 5pm, was judged at 5.30pm and moved off at 6.30pm. For the Illuminated Carnival it is 7pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm. The route is the same for both: along the Esplanade, up Dover Street, along Park Road and Star Street, down the High Street and Union Street, and back to the Esplanade.

During the Main Carnival there is a quieter section on Dover Street between Melville Street and Wood Street, but not during the Illuminated. A pavement area for disabled spectators near Eastern Gardens can be booked through the carnival's contact form.

The Children's Carnival Day runs from 11am to 3pm, with free workshops, dance and magic shows around Minghella Square, St Thomas' Rest Gardens and the Town Square by the Co-op. Its parade sets off from the Town Square at 1.30pm along the High Street, Cross Street, George Street and Star Street.

Road closures and getting there

From late afternoon on both parade nights, the Esplanade from Canoe Lake to the Dover Street roundabout, Dover Street, Park Road, Star Street, the High Street and Union Street close to traffic. In 2026 parking was suspended along the route from 5.30pm (Union Street from 4.30pm) until midnight. Cars parked inside the loop cannot leave while the parade is on. Access to the pier and the hovercraft stays open, by a signed diversion via St Johns Road, Green Street, West Street and St Thomas Street.

It is much easier without the car. The hovercraft from Southsea lands on the Esplanade, the Wightlink FastCat from Portsmouth docks at the end of Ryde Pier, and Ryde Transport Interchange sits right on the route. Southern Vectis route 9 comes in from Newport via Binstead, routes 2 and 3 from Sandown via Brading Road, route 8 from Bembridge and St Helens, and route 4 from East Cowes and Wootton. Check the time of the last bus home before the Illuminated starts.

Where to stay

Carnival week is the bank holiday week, and the Scooter Rally fills Sandown on the same weekend, so book early. In 2026 the St Helens carnival was on the bank holiday Monday, so a week based near Ryde can take in both. See also campsites in Ryde, campsites in St Helens and campsites near the Ryde ferry.