ISLAND CARNIVAL MEMORIES SHOWCASED AT RYDE LIBRARY

A new exhibition on the history of Island carnivals was officially opened at Ryde Library last Monday (4th April).

The Isle of Wight has one of the most prolific and historical carnival traditions in this country and the aim of this exhibition – Island Carnival Memories: A Rather Bewildering Spectacle – is to celebrate that fact. The very first Island carnival was held in Ryde in 1887 in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.

The exhibition features a collection of reminiscences, stories and photographs contributed by Isle of Wight carnival people to an Oral History project funded by the National Lottery. Island residents were interviewed, and their memories and experiences of Island Carnivals over the past 80 years were collected. These interviews have now been collected on a website for the benefit of future generations.

The exhibition at Ryde Library will run until the end of May.

The HAF: Holiday Activity and Food programme for children took inspiration from the past carnivals. Children learnt about the history of Ryde Carnival and created their own versions of some of its most iconic memories, including The Keystone Kops, King Kong, The Ryde Buccaneers, The Flintstones, Carnival Queens and lots more. This culminated in a performance in Ryde town Centre during Ryde Carnival Week.

The opening of the exhibition also celebrated 10 years of The New Carnival Company. It was here that Chris Slann (Executive Director) and Frankie Goldspink (Creative Director) of the NCC, announced that after 20 years working with Island Carnivals, and 10 years at the NCC, they will now be working in a freelance capacity.

Jo Treagus Chair of the New Carnival Company said:

“I am sure we all want to thank Chris and Frankie for all the colour, sparkle and joy they have brought to the Isle of Wight over the years.”

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The new team in charge of the future of The New Carnival Company are:

• Hannah Ray – Executive Director
• Gina Dyer – Director, Creative Production
• Katy Edmunds – Director, Performing Arts and Events
• Gemma Mallinson – Administrative and Creative Manager.

The new team have many years of carnival and outdoor arts events experience. They are looking forward to continuing the amazing legacy of The New Carnival Company. Over the next few years, the team will build on their three flagship events – Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, Crossing the Bar and Merry and Bright – making them bigger and better than ever before.

Hannah Ray says:

“We are excited to continue working with our local community and likeminded organisations to grow and develop our key events. We will develop our provision for young people, listening to their needs and increasing opportunities. We have witnessed first-hand the positive effects that art and creativity have on mental health and wellbeing.”