JUST OVER 2 WEEKS TO GO UNTIL MARDI GRAS RETURNS TO RYDE

Over 20 school and community groups will take part in this year’s Mardi Gras parade in Ryde on Saturday 6th July, with handmade costumes created on the theme of ‘Story of Carnival’. Groups have explored celebrations from early history and how these developed into a worldwide carnival culture. The parade dives into the context of a global scene, traditions which have endured through the ages and to the future. The Isle of Wight carnivals are some of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1887. The parade will leave Simeon Recreation ground at 15:00, reaching the town around 15:30-16:00. The parade goes along the Strand, up Dover Street, along Cross Street and down Union Street to end up along the Esplanade and back at Simeon Rec. Earlier in the day, between 11:00-14:30, ‘Mini Mardi Gras’ will return, aimed at younger children and their families. Free workshops and activities with the opportunity to join in the carnival parade. The quiet zone, for those who prefer to see the spectacle without the noise, will be towards the end of the parade, near the boating lake and toilets at the end of the Esplanade. The amazing young Zodiac dancers are back again from Nottingham – their high-energy performance is not to be missed. Look out for the new giant green man puppet, created by New Carnival artists and volunteers in a masterclass with internationally renowned Thingumigig theatre. 3 incredible and amusing ‘Big Cardboard heads’ based on traditional Commedia del Arte characters have been created by adults on an IW Adult and Community Learning course. Global links include authentic Rio costumes that have been shipped in and re-purposed, thanks to a partnership with ‘Sustenta Carnaval’ in Brazil which saves costumes from landfill and supports local and indigenous communities in Brazil. Isle of Wight College performing arts students will be presenting this ‘Rio’ Section with help behind the scenes from New Carnival’s Youth group. The Isle of Wight Indonesian community shared ‘Batik festivals’, their history, and meanings, with local Island families in a workshop funded by Sovereign Housing, resulting in a set of truly exceptional costumes.