New Carnival and Ryde Town Council have confirmed the final full programme of entertainment and activities for the upcoming Merry and Bright event which is to be held in the town this weekend (8th – 9th December. Friday night will see a Magical Lantern parade, between 18:00-19:00, featuring the Polar Express train on its way to the North Pole! Starting near Aspire, at the top of Dover Street for 17:45. The parade will go along Star Street, down High Street and Union Street, finishing at Western Gardens. Incredible local talented performers will include Mila Lake, star from ITV’s the Voice, Jay Eatwell from Channel 4’s ‘The Piano’, Glow Circus Ariel hoop show, Wyldfire fire show, Huxley Magic, VIVA Drumming, Abbey Brass, Vectis Brass band, Em Johnson, Cara Goodrum, The Ryde Choir, The Christmas Bells, 432 Nomads, Aspire singers, Aspire Creative Hub, IW College Performing Arts Students and many more. Vernon Square Gardens will be transformed into ‘Where the land meets the Sea’ with static illuminations to delight all. Meanwhile, St Thomas Rest gardens will become the ‘Neon Garden’ where shadow play and UV light promises interactive fun for all the family. This year Santa is coming to town – see him in his Grotto on Union Street at The Island Photo centre, on Friday evening between 17:00-20:00. Book on Eventbrite to reserve a spot for a £3 fee. There is an additional option to have a professional Christmas portrait taken on the night. Shops in Ryde will be open for late night shopping – be sure to pick up those Christmas gifts! The Royal Victoria Arcade is hosting a craft market with a tempting array of local produce and handmade items. Gemma Mallinson, from New Carnival, says:
‘This Merry and Bright is set to be the biggest and best yet. Schools and Colleges have contributed art works as well as IW Adult and Community Learners, ‘Isle of Creativity’ 16-30yr old group, Waving the Flag Carnival group, and the Railway by the Sea Project. Railway based lanterns, Digital mapped projections, String art, drumming and a bespoke Soundscape Treasure hunt have been created especially for this event.”
