Folktastic Isle
New Carnival presents Folktastic Isle, an exhibition exploring the Isle of Wight’s folk heritage, the art of the people, celebrating the everyday stories, traditions and cultural heritage that make the Isle of Wight unique.
For two years, New Carnival has been uncovering fascinating Island folklore, from Morris dancing and its links to the suffragettes, to the lost town of Wolverton, the Blackgang and Chale Giant, the Island’s Bull or ‘Giltern Beast’, Jack-in-the-Green parades, and even the history of doughnuts!
Among the discoveries is the remarkable story that one of the earliest written versions of The Three Little Pigs is associated with Merrie Gardens in Shanklin.
The new funding enables Folktastic Isle to tour three Island locations in autumn 2026. A new Folktastic Isle Folk Map, illustrated by local artist Katy Rose, will highlight stories, traditions and places across the Island, encourages people to explore familiar landscapes with fresh eyes.
The free exhibition combines historic photographs, literature and creative work with replica heritage objects created in partnership with the Isle of Wight Heritage Service. These include a Roman bronze enamel ‘running hare’ brooch, recreated by local jeweller Sophie Honeybourne, and the mysterious Neolithic flint tribratch, possibly an early symbol of Island identity, replicated by expert flint knapper Will Lord.
Storytelling, workshops and educational resources accompany the exhibition.
Folktastic Isle also forms part of New Carnival’s involvement in the Arts Council-funded CAN YOU HEAR US? Island cultural celebration.
The small exhibition consists of exhibits on display on the ground floor at Dimbola Museum & Galleries and is free to view.
Hannah Ray, Director of New Carnival, says: “It’s always exciting to discover more people, places and stories connected to the Island. The more we explore and talk to people, the more we find – and the project just keeps growing! “We hope to create a children’s book of Island folk stories. The Literary Trust has offered to fund printed copies for every Island school if we can raise the money to produce it, so we’d love to hear from anyone who could help make this happen, or if you are able to contribute via our local giving page.”
Isle of Wight College Folktastic shows/performances
Sunday 13 September, 2.30–3.30pm Ventnor Exchange Arena, Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport
Saturday 26 September, 6.30–8pm Freshwater Memorial Hall, Freshwater
Sunday 18 October, 2.30–3.30pm Ventnor Exchange Arena, Browns Golf Course, Sandown
Folktastic Exhibition
8–16 September – 10-4pm Lord Louis Library, Newport
21 September–4 October 10-4pm– Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Freshwater
10–18 October – 10-4pm Graft Studios, Sandown
Magic, Mystery and HMS Eurydice
New Carnival and the Shipwreck Museum will present a family-friendly magic show exploring the history and ghost stories of HMS Eurydice. Maritime expert and magician Ian Vallance will be joined by eyewitness Gary Ranson.
Saturday 12 September, 1–2pm – Lord Louis Library
Friday 2 October, 7–8pm – Dimbola Museum and Galleries
Saturday 10 October, 7–8pm – Graft Studios
All events free to attend but booking advisable as limited numbers in some venues.
‘Folktastic Isle’ is part of Past Futures, a project led by Creative Island and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thank you to Creative Island, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting New Carnival’s Folktastic Isle.
For more information, visit newcarnival.co.uk, newcarnival.co.uk/other-projects-2