Residents from Old Charlton House in Cowes have been left in awe after visiting a vibrant exhibition of carnival costumes at Quay Arts in Newport.
Over recent weeks, groups from the care home have visited the display, created by the New Carnival Company, which showcases large-scale costumes inspired by carnival traditions and local folklore.
The floor-to-ceiling designs and bright colours made an immediate impression, with residents said to have paused in amazement upon entering the gallery.
Staff say the visits have had a particularly positive impact, including for those living with dementia, with some residents able to recall details of the exhibition days later. Others have become more engaged and expressive, while those with visual impairments, including macular degeneration, were still able to enjoy the display.
The exhibition highlights the creativity and teamwork behind the New Carnival Company’s annual Mardi Gras event in Ryde, which takes place each July.
Resident Ann, has said:
“It’s overwhelming and amazing, I’ve never seen anything like this before”
Article continues below this advertisement
The experience has also inspired creativity among residents, with some keen to create their own smaller costume designs back at the home.
Debbie Webb, Activity Coordinator, has said:
“The residents have absolutely loved the trips to the Quay Arts. It has been quite magical to see the joy and amazement on their faces.
“They are all very inspired to make some of the ideas they saw on the costumes. This is the closest that many of them will get to seeing a carnival and I’d like to thank the New Carnival Company and Quay Arts for putting on such a wonderful display”.
The exhibition remains open in the West Gallery at Quay Arts until Monday 6th April.
What a wonderful idea, I bet they had a lovely time. Care homes should do more trips out like this it’s good for the residents.
It sure is, it gives residents something to look
forward too!