Upcoming Events

Sandown Bay Regatta 2024
Aug
10
to 11 Aug

Sandown Bay Regatta 2024

An annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from our Stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.

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Easter Fireworks Eggstravaganza
Mar
30

Easter Fireworks Eggstravaganza

Your support is vital to us and means we can fund future events. Any amount you’re able to give is greatly appreciated.


Rescheduled from New Year’s Day

Join us on 30th March 2024 as we launch a spectacular fireworks display, from the end of Sandown Pier at 7.30pm! For the best viewing spots, find a space along Sandown Esplanade and be in the front row of the display!

FREE ENTRY! Donations are gratefully appreciated, our amazing volunteers will be positioned around the esplanade with collection buckets. Donations can also be made online, follow the button above.

Key Information

🎆Firework Display

The display will be launched from the end of Sandown Pier, at 7:30pm. For safety reasons, the display cannot be watched from the outside area at the end of Sandown Pier.

Road Closure

For the safety of spectators, Pier Street and Sandown Esplanade (as highlighted in red on the map below) will be closed from 6pm until 8.30pm on Saturday 30th March. The road will likely reopen sooner but only once crowds have dispursed safely.

🅿️Parking

Car parking is likely to be extremely busy in Sandown on the day: we advise you to arrive early and take advantage of Sandown's local restraunts, pubs and of course, Sandown Pier before the display. The closest public car parks are: St Johns Road, Station Avenue, The Heights, Fort Street and Dinosaur Isle. The final 3 in this list are larger and likely to have spaces for the longest. Please make sure you pay for a ticket if required and only park in marked bays.

Please check back here or on our Facebook page for any updates.


Photos by Shane Thornton


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Royalty Selection Evening 2024
Mar
15

Royalty Selection Evening 2024

Come along to Sandown & Shanklin Rugby Football Club (Station Approach, PO36 9ES) on Friday 15th March and enter to represent Sandown in carnival parades across the Island through the summer.

Please arrive at 6.30pm to register, judging will commence at 7pm.

Boys and girls are welcome, all entrants must be aged between 8-17 on the day, live in the PO36 postcode area and be available for most carnivals this year.

Entry is FREE plus there'll be a disco. You've got to be in it to win it!

The bar will be open for soft drinks and small snacks.


Please Note: All entrants under 16 must be accompanied by an parent/guardian throughout the evening.

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New Year's Day Celebrations 2024
Jan
1

New Year's Day Celebrations 2024

📢 Important Announcement
We’re extremely sorry to announce that, because of circumstances beyond our control, tomorrow’s fireworks display from the pier will not be able to go ahead.

We plan to reschedule the display in the coming months and will keep everyone informed as usual via our Facebook page and website.

We know this will be a big disappointment to many, as it is to us, and we wish you a Happy New Year.

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Illuminated Carnival 2023
Aug
30

Illuminated Carnival 2023

Our illuminated parade around the town!

Our illuminated carnival procession starts from Sandown Library at 8:30pm, leading on a route around the town and finishing back at the library - see the route below.

This year, we also have a Quiet Zone along Royal Cresent, where music and sound will be turned down when the procession passes through (see map). The idea is to offer an area for spectators who prefer to enjoy the parade without loud noise from the bands and floats, an initiative supported by Arts Council England.

The best viewpoints include: Beachfield Road, Royal Crescent, Melville Street, Fitzroy Street, Station Avenue and Albert Road.

Please donate to our official collectors, look out for the Sandown Carnival buckets or donate online.

Our Main & Children’s carnivals are on Saturday 30th July

For the route, see the map below. The route may need to change due to unexpected issues (e.g. roadworks) keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Route Map (Main/Illuminated - Pink Route)

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Sandown Bay Regatta 2023
Aug
12
to 13 Aug

Sandown Bay Regatta 2023

Saturday 12th August 2023 - Dog Show @ Sandham Gardens

For full details on the Sandown Bay Regatta Dog Show, click here


Sunday 13th August 2023 - Sandown Bay Regatta on Sandown Esplanade

An annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from our Stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.


Plus, Regatta Hats are Back!

We're thrilled to announce we've been awarded an Arts Council England grant to revive the much-loved tradition of wearing a hat at the town's Regatta in August.

Like generations of Sandown people, long-time resident and councillor Heather Humby remembers when everyone picked up their Regatta hat from one of the stalls lining Pier Street as they headed down to the Esplanade. A 1940s photo shows a teenage Heather wearing hers with pride.

It was part of the great fun of Regatta day with all sorts of hats on show…silly tiny ones, big ones with tassels, flowery ones’ she says. ‘It’s terrific that Sandown Carnival has found a way to revive one of our town’s great traditions and I can’t wait to wear my hat again this year’.

Our great Regatta hat revival will also celebrate the town’s connection with legendary hatmaker Gertrude Shilling, famous for her outlandish hat designs at Ascot races. Half a century ago, Mrs Shilling’s creations were paraded on the Esplanade and she was invited to crown our Carnival Queen in 1975.

The project's artistic lead Teresa Grimaldi will be producing several hats in the outrageous Shilling style, to be shown off in High Street shop windows and at our Grand Hat Parade on Regatta day itself, Sunday 13th August.

The grant, from the Arts Council England Heritage Lottery Fund, means we'll be putting on a series of free hat-making workshops in the run-up to the Regatta. The Shilling-style headwear will be created in collaboration with the public, and local primary school children and care home residents will be involved too. With sustainability and the Island's UNESCO Biosphere status in mind, hundreds of hats will be made using seed paper...so they can planted after use, with the seeds germinating and producing floral displays.

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Sandown Bay Regatta Dog Show
Aug
12

Sandown Bay Regatta Dog Show

Saturday 12th August 2023 - Dog Show @ Sandham Gardens

Whether you've got a Beagle or a Bulldog, a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, we'd love for you to enter this fun competition at Sandham Gardens. Entries are £2 per category, per dog and all proceeds go to Sandown Carnival to help fund our much loved events.

This year’s Sandown Bay Regatta Dog Show is kindly sponsored by Pawsitive Animal Care Ltd.

Spectating is of course compeltely free! Categories are listed below.

Categories (Rosettes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd):

  • Class 1: Fancy Dress (Beach/Sea Themed)

  • Class 2: Regatta Hats on Dogs

  • Class 3: Playful Puppy (Under 1 year)

  • Class 4: Jolly Junior (2-6 yrs)

  • Class 5: Golden Oldie (6+ yrs)

  • Class 6: Best 6 Legs

  • Class 7: Waggiest Tail

  • Class 8: Junior Handler (Under 16)

  • Class 9: Trick of the Day

Plus Best In Show & Reserve Best In Show: Judged from all 1st prize winners

Whilst this is a ‘for fun’ competition, we do have some rules and guidelines:

  • All dogs MUST be kept on a lead at all times

  • Please clear up after your dog, bins are available

  • Be mindful of nervous dogs and give them the space they need

  • Water for your dog is available throughout the show, but please keep an eye on their welfare throughout, especially in hot weather

  • The judges’ decicion is final, please respect this

  • Any ‘dangerous dog’, defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 cannot take part in the show

  • The event is run by Sandown Carnival, who run Sandown Bay Regatta

  • Entry is a £2 donation per category, per dog and all proceeds go to Sandown Carnival Association

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Regatta Hat Workshops
Aug
1
to 6 Aug

Regatta Hat Workshops

Regatta Hats Are Back!

Our project to revive the hat-wearing tradition at Sandown Bay Regatta has been supported by an Arts Council England Heritage Fund grant.

Gertrude Shilling was known affectionately as the Mascot of Ascot because of her outlandish and often madcap headwear and this year the Sandown Bay Regatta will feature hats inspired by her. At the workshops you’ll learn new skills to help create 6 spectacular hats that will be part of a Grand Hat Parade on Sunday August 13.

So, if you fancy helping us create some playful nods to Gertrude, please sign up for one of our workshops or, if you can, all of them!

The Sandown Carnivals hat making workshops will be led by Teresa Grimaldi and Joel Lines and will run over 3 consecutive evenings. With one additional drop-in workshop.

Joel Lines wowed the public and celebrities alike at the recent Central Saint Martins' 2023 BA Show. The Face described his collection as, “fantastically theatrical, with a giant puppet painted in carnival colours swaying down the runway.”

The free hat making workshops are at Boojum&Snark, 105 High Street, Sandown on:

  • Tuesday 1 August - 6-9pm - WORKSHOP FULL

  • Wednesday 2 August - 6-9pm

  • Thursday 3 August - 6-9pm

Please select the workshop you would like to do (you can select more than one) and who knows, maybe even model one of the hats at the Grand Parade!

Plus there’s a free drop-in workshop, also at Boojum&Snark, 105 High Street, Sandown:

  • Sunday 6 August - 11am-4pm (No Booking Required)

All workshops suitable for children over 12 😊

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Main Carnival 2023
Jul
29

Main Carnival 2023

We’re excited to announce the date for Sandown’s Main Carnival 2023!

  • Saturday 29th July 2023

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for updates.


We’re also hosting FREE family entertainment on Saturday 29th August, from 10.30am till 4.30pm at Sandham Gardens. As well as our Children’s Carnival parade at 11am.


Parade entries assemble along Culver Parade from 5pm, with judging starting at 6pm.

Our main carnival procession leaves from Sandown Library at 7pm, leading on a route around the town and finishing back at the library - see the route below.

The best viewpoints include: Beachfield Road, Royal Crescent, Melville Street, Fitzroy Street, Station Avenue and Albert Road.

Please donate to our official collectors, look out for the Sandown Carnival buckets or donate online.

For the route, see the map below. The route may need to change due to unexpected issues (e.g. roadworks) keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Route Map (Main & Illuminated - Pink Route)

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Children's Carnival 2023
Jul
29

Children's Carnival 2023

Family Entertainment @ Sandham Gardens - 10.30am till 4.30pm

We’re delighted to be able to offer our FREE family entertainent programme from our stage at Sandham Gardens, before & after the Children’s carnival! Check out the lineup below:


Children’s Carnival Parade - 11am

Setting off from Sandown Pier at the earlier time of 11am, The procession will be led by the Sandown Carnival Queens float, along the special route shown below. Finishing at Sandham Gardens where judging will take place and prizes will be presented.

Please donate to our official collectors, look out for the Sandown Carnival buckets or donate online!

The procession is followed by our Main Carnival!

For the route, see the map below for the Children’s route. The route may need to change due to unexpected issues (e.g. roadworks) keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Route Map (Children’s - Blue Route)

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Carnival Queens Selection 2023
Apr
1

Carnival Queens Selection 2023

Come along to the Sandown Methodist Church Hall on York Road and enter to represent Sandown across the Island throughout the summer!

Please arrive from 6.15pm until 6.45pm to register, judging will commence at 7pm.

All entrants must be aged 9 or above, live in the PO36 postal code and be available throughout the summer holidays.

Entry is FREE, there will be a disco and nibbles & drinks will be provided for entrants.

You've got to be in it to win it!

Please Note: All entrants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the selection evening.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR QUEENS’ SELECTION

A fun evening with music and refreshments.

Our would-be Queens can come dressed as they choose...comfortable casual wear is absolutely fine.

An independent panel of judges will be invited to choose five Sandown Carnival Queens to represent the town at the 2023 carnival parades around the Island.

Be prepared to answer a few friendly questions from our DJ and judges, and complete a short form so we know a bit more about you.

We’re sorry that not everyone can be chosen, but we do hope all who come along have an enjoyable time.

Remember that entrants must:
✔ be aged 9 or over on the day of selection (1 April 2023);
✔ live in the PO36 postcode area;
✔ be available for most Island Carnivals between July and September 2023;
✔ if under 16, be accompanied by an adult throughout the evening;

We look forward to seeing you!

 
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New Year's Day Celebrations 2023
Jan
1

New Year's Day Celebrations 2023

Join us on 1st January 2023 as we celebrate the new year with a spectacular fireworks display, launched from the end of Sandown Pier at 6pm! For the best viewing spots, find a space along Sandown Esplanade and be in the front row of the display!

FREE ENTRY! Donations are gratefully appreciated, our amazing volunteers will be positioned around the esplanade with collection buckets. Donations can also be made online, follow the button below.

Photos by Shane Thornton

Road closures - The Esplanade and Pier Street will be closed before, during and after the display for crowd safety. This will last approximately 1 hour. Please note: Vehicles parked within the road closure will have to wait for crowds to disperse before being allowed to leave.

Please check back here or on our Facebook page for any updates.

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Illuminated Carnival 2022
Aug
31

Illuminated Carnival 2022

Our illuminated carnival parade around the town!

Assemble along Culver Parade from 6:30pm, judging starts at 7:30pm.

Our illuminated carnival procession starts from Sandown Library at 8:30pm, leading on a route around the town and finishing back at the library - see the route below.

The best viewpoints include: Beachfield Road, Royal Crescent, Melville Street, Fitzroy Street, Station Avenue and Albert Road.

Please donate to our official collectors, look out for the Sandown Carnival buckets or donate online.

Our Main & Children’s carnivals are on Saturday 30th July

For the route, see the map below. The route may need to change due to unexpected issues (e.g. roadworks) keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Route Map (Main/Illuminated - Pink Route)

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Sandown Bay Regatta 2022
Aug
13
to 14 Aug

Sandown Bay Regatta 2022

Organised by Sandown Carnival for the first time, we’re combining tradition with new attractions for a relaunch of the 165-year-old event this summer.

Saturday features sea and shoreside fun for everyone plus a free music event whilst we have a fun packed Sunday, including market stalls lining Sandown Esplanade, magic shows and stage performances (map/timings below).

To finish off the weekend, we’re delighted to be celebrating with a spectacular fireworks finale on Sunday 14th August at 9:30pm!

Regatta Timings

Saturday 13th August:

  • 5:00pm - 9:30pm - Hooray for the Bay at Brown’s - A free music event at Brown’s Golf and Blue Tiki Cafe to celebrate our amazing Bay with live music performances

Sunday 14th August:

  • 10:00am-4:00pm - Market stalls and attractions along Sandown Esplanade

  • 10:00am-4:00pm - Live family friendly entertainment from our stage and on the beach (timings below)!

  • 8:00pm- 9:00pm - Sea songs and shanties with Sheshells at Boojum & Snark, 105 High Street

  • 9:00pm - Assemble for fireworks display on Culver Parade (see map below)

  • 9:30pm - Fireworks display commences

Both Days - Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th

  • 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm - A chance to visit Swim the Wight’s raft off Sandown’s main beach and learn more about safe sea swimming. Find them near the lifeguard base.

  • 10:00am - 4:00pm - Visit the local beach concessionaires to enjoy all that Sandown Bay has to offer! From deck chairs to canoes, there’s something for everyone!

Regatta Map

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Please Note: Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place on Sunday 14th August, in the daytime for the market/entertainment area and in the evening along Culver Parade for the fireworks finale. All closures/restrictions will be clearly marked.

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Main Carnival 2022
Jul
30

Main Carnival 2022

A whole day of free family oriented fun culminating in our costume parade around the town!

Family Entertainment at Sandham Gardens

Our entertainment acts this year includes the close harmony 1940’s vocal group Company B (10am), our Children’s Procession (Midday), entertainment from Stevo & Kai (2pm) and finishing the entertainment with Derek Sandy (4pm). All from our stage in Sandham Gardens! Then, preparations for our main carnival procession begin, which sets off at 7pm - see below for all the details!

Main Procession

Assemble along Culver Parade from 5pm, judging starts at 6pm.

Our main carnival procession starts from Sandown Library at 7pm, leading on a route around the town and finishing back at the library - see the route below.

The best viewpoints include: Beachfield Road, Royal Crescent, Melville Street, Fitzroy Street, Station Avenue and Albert Road.

We also have family friendly entertainment all day at Sandham Gardens- timings above.

Please donate to our official collectors, look out for the Sandown Carnival buckets or donate online.

Also on Saturday 30th July is our Children’s Procession at Midday!

For the route, see the map below. The route may need to change due to unexpected issues (e.g. roadworks) keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Route Map (Main/Illuminated - Pink Route)

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Children's Carnival 2022
Jul
30

Children's Carnival 2022

A whole day of free family oriented fun culminating in our costume parade around the town!

Family Entertainment at Sandham Gardens


Children’s Parade

From Sandown Pier to Sandham Gardens. Assemble at Sandown Pier from 11:15am.

Parade Leaves: 12 Noon

The procession will be led by the Sandown Carnival Queens float, along the special route shown below. Finishing at Sandham Gardens where judging will take place and prizes will be presented.

We also have family friendly entertainment all day at Sandham Gardens- timings above.

Please donate to our official collectors, look out for the Sandown Carnival buckets or donate online!

The procession is followed by our Main Carnival!

For the route, see the map below for the Children’s route. The route may need to change due to unexpected issues (e.g. roadworks) keep an eye on our Facebook Page and this event page for any changes.

Route Map (Children’s - Blue Route)

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Sandown Carnival Queens Selection 2022
Mar
18

Sandown Carnival Queens Selection 2022

Come along to The Broadway Centre and enter to represent Sandown across the Island throughout the summer! 🌞

Please arrive from 6pm until 7pm to register, judging will commence at 6.30pm.

All entrants must be aged 9 or above, live in the PO36 postal code and be available throughout the summer holidays.

Entry is FREE, there will be a disco and nibbles & drinks will be provided for entrants.

You've got to be in it to win it! 😃

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Parade Routes

The route may need to change on the day due to unexpected circumstances (e.g. roadworks), keep an eye on our Facebook Page.