Celebrating the 'rich history' of the carnival is the theme of this year's Isle of Wight Mardi Gras.

The event returns to Ryde in July.

Organiser New Carnival says it will be a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of carnival traditions and their significant impact on communities around the world.

There will be three chapters to the parade: The History of Carnival, Global Carnivals Today, and The Future of Carnival.

Schools and community groups from across the Isle of Wight are invited to take part in the festivities.

Here's how to register your school or community group for Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2024

To register your school or community group for Isle of Wight Mardi Gras 2024, please contact Gemma@newcarnival.co.uk.

This year's theme was unveiled at Quay Arts on Wednesday, January 17.

New Carnival director Hannah Ray said: “We believe that it is important for children to celebrate our Island’s wonderful carnival tradition, and to see them in the context of global carnivals and the history of carnival.

"This year the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport’s (DCMS) plans to ratify the UNESCO convention for the ‘protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage’ in plain English this means protecting things like traditions and events, as opposed to buildings.

"We think that there is a strong argument for carnivals to become better valued and acknowledged within this.”

Participants will have the chance to showcase their artistic talents, explore historical themes, learn about and make links with carnival organisers and participants across the globe, and immerse themselves in the colourful traditions that define Carnival.

Several short evening courses and longer Adult and Community Learning courses will be held to support schools and community groups to design and prototype their costumes.

The Isle of Wight Music Hub will once again be creating a brand-new Mardi Gras anthem for this year.

New Carnival’s creative educator and production and participation manager, Gemma Mallinson, said: "Last year’s parade was amazing, with 23 schools and community groups taking part.

"We cannot wait to begin working on this year’s event with even more participants!”

The Mardi Gras will take place on Saturday, July 6.