Blue skies, hot sunshine and a party atmosphere resulted in a wonderful coming together of art, colour and diversity when the annual Mardi Gras parade made its way through the streets of Ryde on Saturday (30th June).
This year’s parade was all about Global Biospheres and saw around 1,000 people don especially made costumes in the name of carnival, making their way from Ryde School down through the town to finish on the Esplanade. The theme was chosen to support the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Beauty’s application to have the Island recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The weather was almost too nice this year with the mercury rising to the high 20s, but in true celebratory spirit the children didn’t moan once and put on a show to remember. Thousands of people gathered throughout Ryde to see months of work from schools and other organisations together in one big parade.
A special VIP guest was welcomed by The New Carnival Company during a reception event on Saturday afternoon. Darren Henley, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, was given a tour of all of the groups taking part and was able to watch the parade wind its way down through Ryde. The Island’s MP, Bob Seely, was also present alongside a number of dignitaries and local businessmen.
Preparations are already well underway for next year’s event, with an eye on 2020 also.
