Last Friday’s Merry and Bright – Festival of Light brought creativity, music and colour to Ryde, with dozens of young people showcasing their talents despite heavy rain and gale-force winds.
The festival, curated by New Carnival, was reimagined as an indoor event at short notice due to the weather. Local venues pulled together to make it happen, including Aspire Ryde, Network Ryde, Ryde Town Council at 11 St Thomas’s Square, the Royal Victoria Arcade and Department, which opened up additional theatre space.
Young people were at the heart of every aspect of the festival. A reduced lantern parade, led by Mayor of Ryde Diana Conyers, wound through the town powered by RAW Samba and dancers. Families from St Helens, Wootton and Barton Primary Schools proudly carried lanterns they had made themselves, joined by East Cowes Carnival members, volunteers, and a determined crowd of supporters.
Other highlights included:
- Lanterns created by VIVA Carnival Club
- Family craft activities and a fully booked Santa’s Grotto
- Free glitter tattoos by New Carnival’s Isle of Creativity youth members
- Face painting by Sharon Poole of Soul Face Arts
- The Aspire Creative Hub stage featured emerging local bands including Blood Roses, Euphoria, Smile and Lil Bluz. Abbey Brass Band and Double Take singers brought traditional festive tunes to the programme.
Network Ryde presented New Carnival’s new NC Dance Troupe, with Iona and Charles leading a dance workshop. Arts with Alicia ran an aerial workshop where audience members could join in. Performers included Poppy Janella, the El Salvador Dancers and Templar street dance.
At Department’s theatre, magician Huxley opened the show followed by a youth circus performance from Wild Woods, and musical sets by Emelia and Vectis Brass Band. The Royal Victoria Arcade hosted a craft market and featured acts such as Jimi Cameron, Mila Lake, All Saints Rowdy Carols and Portsmouth’s 432 Nomads collective.
Young people from The Port in Newport also created and installed decorations under the guidance of the Munsoon Collective. Solent Sky Services, working with a young team including an 11-year-old videographer, captured the event on film. Festival highlight videos will be shared soon on New Carnival’s social media.
Hannah Ray, New Carnival Director, has said:
“Merry and Bright isn’t just a festival, it’s a platform for young creatives to showcase their talents. The bands at Aspire Creative Hub, the 432 Nomads youth group, young musicians, dancers, circus performers, filmmakers, decorations made by youth at The Port, Isle of Creativity members running activities, along with the school groups all brought energy and imagination which lit up the town.
“We’re so proud of them, they did an awesome job.”
Merry and Bright Festival of Light is funded by Arts Council England through New Carnival’s National Portfolio Organisation funding. The event also received support from Ryde Town Council, with sponsorship from Wightlink, PC Consultants and Farrow Friends.
The festival costs over £8,000 to deliver and involves months of planning. New Carnival has expressed deep gratitude for every contribution, from funders and partners to the many individuals who gave time, skills and resources.
Anyone wishing to support New Carnival’s work with young people and to help secure the future of the Merry and Bright Festival can donate via their website or social media channels.
