They said that it would happen and now it’s a reality – hundreds of people are set to slip and slide down Union Street this summer as it is confirmed the Bestival Ryde Slide is coming to the Island in July.
As previously reported by Island Echo, plans have been afoot to bring a giant water slide to the streets of Ryde for some time – plans which were met by massive support with over 50,000 people seeing our article through Facebook alone back in April.
To the delight of thrill seekers, a 200 metre exhilarating giant inflatable water slide WILL be put in place on Ryde’s main shopping street this July, thanks to a collaboration between the former Mayor of Ryde and Bestival.
Bestival head honcho Rob da Bank cycles past Wayne’s café on Ryde Seafront often (Rob da Bike as Wayne calls him) and together they have hatched a plan to bring you a 200m giant water slide on Union Street in Ryde. Some 300 lucky Islanders will get the chance to take part in the community event, which will raise money for local charities.
Rob da Bank said:
“We always like to get involved with really exciting and really mad stuff at Bestival, so when Wayne spoke to me about bringing a huge inflatable water slide to the Island and running it down the middle of Union street in Ryde, I couldn’t possibly refuse. Chances like this don’t come along all that often and it’s all for a lot of great causes, so please do donate some money and see how you get on with the luck of the draw!”
Wayne Whittle said:
“Ryde; The Town on The Beach is a unique place that deserves a unique event. Union Street is the perfect venue, thanks to Bestival’s help and the community’s enthusiasm and assistance, it’s finally all downhill from here. I can’t wait to join in the fun on the 12th, there’s no better way to fund raise. Oh we do like to be beside the seaslide!”
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The event will run from 11:00-19:00 on Sunday 12th July 2015 from the top of Union Street, Ryde.
For a chance to be one of the lucky water sliders, simply head to www.bestivalrydeslide.net to donate just £5 or text BEST001 to 70970 (which will also donate £5) before Tuesday 30th June. The more times you donate, the higher the chance of winning a place to slide beside the seaslide.
All of those who donate will be entered into a draw and 300 winners will be picked at random and notified on Wednesday 1st July. Sliders chosen will need to bring ID along to the event and each winner will be given a selected timeslot to arrive; chosen at random. The slide draw is open to anyone over the age of 10-years-old.
A total of 4 charities are set to benefit from the event – Ryde Inshore Rescue; Aspire Ryde Community Centre; Ryde Arena Ltd and Ryde Waterside Pool, all via the Ryde Slide Trust.
That’s not all though… the Bestival Ryde Slide will also be making a triumphant return to the Island with a very special appearance at Bestival this September between 10th-13th at Robin Hill, adding even more madcap adventure and unique aquaplaning joy for Bestival-goers at the Summer of Love.
Head to www.bestivalrydeslide.net or text BEST001 to 70970 and donate now to be in with a chance to be one of the lucky Bestival Ryde Slide riders on 12th July.
