PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST FILL IN A RYDE CARNIVAL ENTRY FORM IF YOU WANT TO BE JUDGED
RYDE MAIN CARNIVAL – THURSDAY 3rd September 2026
Ryde Main Carnival is our early-evening event for all the family. Now returned by popular request to the traditional day of Thursday, it’s a chance to get together and have a last bit of Summer Holiday fun before the kids go back to school!
TIMES
5:00pm Assembly commences at Ryde Esplanade & Canoe Lake.
5:30pm Judging
6:30pm Procession moves off
All entries should report to the control point at the bottom of East Hill Road to be checked in and assigned to their assembly points.
Please fill out the Online Carnival Entry Form
Quivers
Quivers is a high-energy cabaret whirlwind, an award-winning stand-up comedian, singer of songs, host, DJ and a general buffoon, who is here to risk all remaining dignity to make you laugh and bring you some joy.
And she will be appearing in Ryde Carnival’s Main Parade this year. Whatever you do, DO NOT MISS THIS!
Quiet Zone
We will have a dedicated Quiet Zone again this year to support inclusivity. There will be a section on Dover Street between Melville Street and Wood Street, where the music will be quieter.
This section will be sign-posted and flagged at both ends, with the above logos.
Disability Platform
There will again be a Disability Platform available in Eastern Gardens right at the beginning of the Main Carnival Parade.
To book your place, please get in touch with us using our Contact Form
Route
Esplanade, Dover Street, Park Road, Star Street, High Street, Union Street, ending back at the Esplanade
(Click on the map to see a larger version)
Assembly
Everyone should come to the assembly area via East Hill Road, through the Entry Point, and
on to the Control Point, where you will be instructed where to assemble for your particular class.
Below is an Assembly Plan, but it is subject to change.
(Click on the plan to see a larger version)
Parking Suspensions and Road Closures
Canoe Lake, Esplanade to Dover St roundabout, Dover St, Park Road/Star St, High St, Union St and Esplanade South to Dover St roundabout will be closed to traffic and diversions will be in place from late afternoon. Drivers should allow extra time for their journeys from late afternoon onward and be aware that parking spaces around the procession route will be very limited.
Access to the Pier and Hovercraft will be maintained throughout this period. TO ACCESS THE PIER AND HOVERCRAFT from the Sandown direction: turn left at St Johns Church onto St Johns Rd, continue onto Green Street and turn right at the traffic lights onto West St and access Esplanade North side via St Thomas St (this becomes 2-way traffic to accommodate exiting from the Esplanade).
During the processions, it will not be possible for vehicles within the boundaries of Esplanade, Dover St, Park Rd/Star St, High St and Union St to exit, except under controlled conditions at Melville Street/Dover Street.
Parking will be suspended on the following streets to allow the Carnival processions to pass safely on Thursday 29th August (from 5:30 (Union St 4:30pm) to 11:59pm)
Union Street
West Street – west side from Queens Rd to Lind St
North side of Strand from East Street to Esplanade
Canoe Lake Rd from North Walk to Appley Rise
North Walk from Esplanade to Canoe Lake Rd
Esplanade North & South sides from Strand to Dover Street
Esplanade South side from Dover St to Union St
Dover St East side from Dover St roundabout to Melville St
Motorists are likely to encounter difficulties in finding parking places close to the procession route. Therefore, we encourage people to leave their car at home and use public transport or walk.