APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 WILL OPEN IN JANUARY
Riverfest
The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight
Saturday 9th May 2026 – 10:00 to 16:00
Riverfest is a fun, free community event held on the second Saturday in May in Newport, in the heart of the Isle of Wight. Taking place in the Island’s capital, the event brings together local charities, businesses, and families for a day that has the feel of a traditional village fete, with a wide range of free activities for children and opportunities to learn more about the work being done in the community and for the local environment.
There is no entrance fee, ensuring the event remains accessible to everyone. Riverfest is organised by Newport Carnival & Community Events Association (NCCEA), a local carnival group with a strong passion for community events on the Isle of Wight.
Stall Fees & Licensing
Businesses are asked to make a donation of £80–£500 to Riverfest. This contribution helps cover the Isle of Wight Council Street Traders Licence, event insurance and advertising, and supports the work of the NCCEA organising committee.
If you are selling goods or services, you must complete the Isle of Wight Council Market Trading form and return it by 30th March 2026.
The event takes place on Isle of Wight Council land, and all traders must hold £10 million public liability insurance, with a copy of the certificate submitted as part of the booking.
Food Vendors
Any organisation selling food must be registered with the Isle of Wight Council in line with legal requirements. For food registration enquiries, contact the council on 01983 823000.
Booking a Stall
To reserve your space, complete the booking form and submit any required documents. If some documents are not immediately available, they can be emailed separately. You will receive confirmation once your booking has been processed and confirmation from the Isle of Wight Council.
For enquiries, contact [email protected].
Please note that Riverfest is run by volunteers who work full-time and varied shifts, so responses may take a little time.
What You Need to Provide
All stallholders must supply their own equipment, including tables, chairs, waterproof coverings, display boards, and any other items needed for their setup. Riverfest does not provide tables or chairs.
Important Site Information
The Quay is a hard-standing, exposed, and often windy site, so all equipment must be securely anchored. Particular care must be taken with inflatables, which require separate permission. Gazebos are not recommended due to wind exposure and are used entirely at the stallholder’s own risk, with NCCEA accepting no responsibility for incidents arising from their use.
Generators are not permitted without prior approval and must meet BS7909 safety certification. Limited power supply may be available by prior agreement, depending on requirements.
Strictly prohibited: Balloon releases and sky lanterns
Commercial Application Form
Terms & Conditions
We will use this data to keep in touch with you about this event and the work of Newport Carnival & Community Events Association. It will be shared with third parties, such as the IW Council, and government bodies, for the purposes of law enforcement. We will also send your details to Sandown Bay Regatta if you select ‘yes’ in the option. You can request to be removed from our records at any time.
Please note that Newport Carnival & Community Events Association cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss. You should ensure that your organisation is adequately insured (minimum of £10 million PLI) and that you take care of your property. You are responsible for making sure that your displays and portable structures, etc., are safe. The committee reserves the right to reject any application without explanation. In the unlikely occurrence of the event being cancelled or curtailed, we regret that donations and fees cannot be returned. This is due to the fees and outlays prior to the event taking place being substantial, and we, as organisers, are unable to retrieve those.
The event takes place next to the River Medina, and we request that stall holders and the public keep back 2m from the edge of the Quay. Where areas are tight, metal pedestrian barriers may be installed as added safety.
All stall holders must take their rubbish home with them, and be mindful of any litter or contaminants going into the river. Should this happen, you must report this to the Harbour Master’s office located next to the Riverside Centre.
Any further questions should be emailed to info @ riverfest.org.uk.