Unfortunately, because we’ve been hit by very large unexpected costs for our High Street fundraising shop and a big hike in the rates bill for our float-building site in Sandown, we’ll be unable to stage a 2026 New Year fireworks display. 

Cancelling one of our annual events hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s the only way we can ensure all our 2026 summer events can be delivered as the town’s residents and visitors would expect…and we can’t wait to welcome everyone again next year.

Sandown Carnival chair Paul Coueslant adds:

“As a non-profit community group, it costs us tens of thousands of pounds each year to put on our events and we usually manage to break even with important financial help from the public, local businesses and other valued supporters like Sandown Town Council. 

But the recent double whammy of financial blows has forced us to cover unbudgeted, additional costs of around £10,000 and we’re extremely sorry this means there’ll be no New Year fireworks in 2026. 

On the plus side, we intend to fully fund our 2026 summer events with all the ingredients that have made them so successful in recent years, attracting thousands to Sandown to enjoy the fun and entertainment on offer.”