The Isle of Wight’s biggest youth-focused community carnival will return to Ryde on 4th July, with this year’s IW Mardi Gras celebrating Island folklore, myths and legends.
Under the theme ‘Folktastic Isle: Stories, Myths and Legends’, schools, community groups, artists and performers have been exploring the rich history of the Isle of Wight through local tales, legendary characters and hidden stories passed down through generations.
Produced by New Carnival and supported by Arts Council England, the event transforms Ryde into a colourful moving festival featuring giant costumes, puppetry, music, dance and storytelling.
More than 23 schools and community groups have been creating handmade costumes, performances and parade pieces inspired by Island folklore and imagination.
The day begins with Mini Mardi Gras at Simeon Street Recreation Ground from 11:00, offering free family activities, creative workshops, circus skills, music-making, appearances from the Heron Guard and local food stalls.
The main Mardi Gras parade will set off at 15:00, making its way through the streets of Ryde before returning to Simeon Street Recreation Ground.
Visitors can expect giant puppets, samba bands, colourful costumes and live performances as part of the annual celebration of community creativity.
The event forms part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival and also supports the National Year of Reading campaign.
Ahead of the main event, members of the public can take part in a flag-making workshop at Ryde Library on 27th June between 14:00 and 16:00, or attend a costume-making workshop at Quarr Abbey on 28th June. Booking is essential for the Quarr Abbey session.
Following this year’s celebrations, New Carnival and the National Literacy Trust hope to produce an anthology bringing together the stories, myths and legends collected through the project, alongside illustrations by local children and new songs created by the Isle of Wight Music Hub.
Hannah Ray, Chief Executive Officer of New Carnival, said:
“IW Mardi Gras is a celebration of the creativity, talent and community spirit that exists across the Isle of Wight.
“This year’s theme gives participants the opportunity to explore the Island’s rich folklore while creating something truly spectacular together. We can’t wait to see Ryde filled with colour, music and imagination once again.”
Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is free to attend and open to everyone.
New Carnival says the event relies on donations and sponsorship to continue, with funding from its Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation grant remaining unchanged for the past 10 years.
More information can be found here.
