The New Carnival Company has been working with local schools and community groups to light up the ancient site of Mersley Farm at Newchurch – the present day site of The Garlic Farm.
The site, which has played host to generations of farmers for over 6,000 years, was the inspiration for this weekend’s ‘Dark Nights’, an illuminated lantern walk as part of the East Wight Landscape Partnership’s ‘Down to the Coast’ programme.
Along the escorted and animated trail, which stretched over 1 mile through fields and woodland, visitors encountered sculptures and models of Neolithic flint tools, Iron age weaving, fields of ancient Spelt wheat, Roman coins and more.
The event, the brainchild of Frankie Goldspink, Creative Director for the New Carnival Company, brought together families and friends in a celebration of the great outdoors, whilst learning a little bit about the history on their doorstep as they enjoy the spectacle of the installations.
Hundreds of adults, children and young people from surrounding schools, uniformed organisations and community workshops were involved in the creation of the pieces as well as in making individual lanterns which lit up the way.
