The Ryde Carnival childrens’ procession has been officially scrapped and will be replaced by a day of events in the town, it has been announced.
As part of celebrations to mark the return of the UK’s oldest carnival after the COVID pandemic, Ryde Carnival Association has announced this major change to the traditional carnival week, which this year is being held from 27th August to 3rd September.
Traditionally, the children’s carnival would be held in an afternoon prior to the main and illuminated processions. However, for 2022 there will instead be a Children’s Carnival Day on Saturday 27th August between 11:00-15:00.
Taking place in different town centre locations, Children’s Carnival Day will include traditional carnival favourites; music, prizes for costumes, a short child-friendly parade and of course Ryde’s fabulous royalty team and float. Innovative new activities on offer are a family picnic with the animals from award-winning Shademakers, outdoor carnival-themed Storytime with Ryde Library, Huxley Magic and more.
The change to the traditional – and some may say historic – schedule is a result of a recent survey in which only 32% of respondents said they attended the children’s parade.
Jo Morrison Chair of Ryde Carnival Association said:
“Last year’s events in the town centre were a great success and we know that in recent years the Children’s Carnival parade has been less well attended. We want to encourage children and young people to enjoy carnival at the earliest possible opportunity. We hope that by holding a Children’s Carnival Day, more families can get involved, enjoy the entertainment, spend time in the town centre and most of all have fun celebrating one of Ryde’s great events!”
