Carnival comeback after 30 years following Red Funnel support

Red Funnel is proud to support the return of East Cowes Carnival, a much loved community event returning to the town for the first time in 30 years - thanks to the dedication and hardwork of a team of volunteers; Mike Flanagan, Flag carrier Harley and Michelle Vincent. 

After interest from East Cowes residents for the return of the Carnival, and in true community spirit, the team of volunteers joined forces and secured £2,500 from Red Funnel – to support the community event, which ultimately aims to put East Cowes back on the map. 

Set to take place over the bank holiday weekend, on Saturday 23rd August from 6.15pm, the parade will start and end at Victoria Grove following a loop through the town centre – local residents are encouraged to find a prime spot ahead of the anticipated parade. 

Ahead of the Carnival, Red Funnel’s Commercial Director Lee Hudson welcomed the team of five volunteers and three East Cowes Carnival Queens, Princess Emily, Junior Queen Hannah, Senior Queen Abby aboard Red Osprey, as they drum up support and excitement ahead of the weekend.  

Speaking on Red Funnel’s support for East Cowes Carnival, Lee Hudson, said: “Seeing the hardwork and dedication of the East Cowes Carnival team is truly inspiring, the event clearly means so much to the East Cowes Community and it’s a privilege that Red Funnel are able to support the meaningful community event.”

The Isle of Wight ferry operator remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves and continues to support events, initiatives and programmes under its ESG scheme, ‘Changing Tides’. 

To find out more about East Cowes Carnival, visit: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-guide/things-to-do/special-events/east-cowes-carnival

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For further information, please contact [email protected] / 02380 382 970

Notes to editors
About Red Funnel
Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with roots tracing back to 1820. Based in the UK port of Southampton, Red Funnel carries 2.3m passengers and over 800,000 vehicles on its ferry route between the UK port of Southampton and East Cowes and 1.1m passengers between Southampton and West Cowes on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service.  

In addition to ferry travel, Red Funnel is the only cross-Solent operator to offer ferry inclusive bonded holiday accommodation, attraction tickets, festival and event tickets and activity packages. Sub-brands include ‘Red Jet’ (the Hi-Speed passenger only ferry service serving West Cowes) and its on board café, ‘ReFuel’.  

The Company is a founding member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation. Red Funnel is also proud to sponsor and support most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Wight Proms, and Walk the Wight alongside a wide range of other community and niche interest events. 

Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, 2025, is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance  

For more information, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk