The date for the 2023 Isle of Wight Mardi Gras in Ryde is set for Saturday 8th July with the theme of ‘Year of the Coast’.
Once again New Carnival is linking up with the National Children’s Carnival week of 8th-16th July, aimed at engaging children and young people with carnival arts up and down the country.
At a recent launch event, organisers revealed the theme, which reflects national celebrations for the opening and creation of England’s coastal path.
New Carnival’s creative director, Gina Dyer, set out the topics and themes this year to be explored in the creation of the carnival costumes and performance.
She said:
“The Mardi Gras ‘year of the coast’ theme has a wealth of inspiration for creating carnival costumes. Each topic has a local group or organisation linked to it. We are looking forward to seeing all the ideas from our young people and helping them to realise their designs for costumes. We will continue to promote and use sustainable materials, recycling, and re-purposing.”
Nia Collins from Isle of Wight Music Hub attended the event at Quay Arts to talk about their ‘Solent Sea Shanty’ Singing project which started in September 2022 and goes through to the end of the summer term, across all Island schools.
The Music Hub provides the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras anthem each year, this year the tune from the well-known TikTok sensation, the ‘Wellerman’ song will be used with new lyrics reflecting the coast.
The background to the Isle of Wight’s coastal footpath campaign was presented by David Howarth from the IW Ramblers.
It is estimated that a comprehensive coastal path could be worth up to £35million per year to our Island economy, as well as providing an enjoyable route to good health and wellbeing for all. Establishing the footpath has been ongoing for over 10 years and 2023 marks its official creation.
Schools and community groups are all welcome to join. It is thanks to so many teachers, artists, volunteers, and like-minded organisations that the Mardi Gras is such a successful event, showcasing children and young people’s incredible creativity.
