Hundreds of people lined the streets of Ryde on Saturday (5th July) to enjoy the annual Mardi Gras parade, which returned this year with vibrant costumes, music and community spirit.
It was a bit touch and go for a time as to whether or not the much-loved parade would go ahead, as rain threatened to put a dampener on the celebrations.
Thankfully, the rain cleared through just in time with the parade setting off from Simeon Street at 15:00.
Sadly, the strong winds meant that New Carnival’s giant 4 seasons puppets, Green Man and several other large costumes couldn’t join the parade.
However, some 24 different community groups and schools featured in this weekend’s parade, many of which have been captured by Paul Bird Photography…
PHOTO GALLERY – by Paul Bird
I was surprised how many vehicles were parked along
Union Street after 2pm, even though the street was full
of signs that stated “NO” parking between 2pm-5pm
Not a Civil Enforcement Officer in sight, yet on an ordinary
day, they are like a rash!
Strange but true!, they obviously target holidaymakers and
not locals.
Love parades . Just wish some of the paraders smiled more and got into the spirit and looked like they actually were enjoying it . Very disorganised in groups too. Just walking along looking at if they wished they were somewhere else. Can’t beat the London mardi gras or the American parades sad to say . Could learn a lot from them.
No one does a parade like New York City.