Thousands of people stepped out on the hottest day of the year to celebrate Isle of Wight Mardi Gras as the annual parade made its way through the streets of Ryde on Saturday.
Celebrations got underway at Ryde School as the hot summer sunshine shone down on the Island and the many different group and schools showcasing their artistic creations.
The weather was almost too nice this year with the mercury rising to the mid to high 20s, but in true celebratory spirit the children and other performers didn’t moan once and put on a show to remember.
For 2019, each school or group worked under headings such as Historic Environment, Food and Farming and Dark Skies. Local organisations and businesses partnered with the groups including Robin Hill, the Isle of Wight Zoo, Archaeology Discovery Centre, Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust, Dinosaur Isle and Briddlesford Farm.
Frankie Goldspink, Creative Director at The New Carnival Company, said:
“What a brilliant day. Everyone pulled together as a team to put on a really spectacular show that the Island can be proud of, and we’re over the moon that so many people turned out in support. So much has been achieved through the collaborations between local schools, community groups and partnering organisations, and many of these relationships will continue into the future.”
Next year’s Mardi Gras will take place on Saturday 27th June with the theme ‘The Story of Carnival’.
