EVENTS: RYDE TO BE FULL OF FESTIVE CHEER AS MERRY AND BRIGHT KICKS OFF TONIGHT

Festive cheer is to make its way to Ryde today (Friday) as the 2023 Merry and Bright event gets underway this evening. The event, which is presented by New Carnival and Ryde Town Council, is an annual event based in the centre of Ryde. This evening will see a lantern parade, between 18:00-19:00, featuring the Polar Express train on its way to the North Pole! Starting near Aspire, at the top of Dover Street for 17:45. The parade will go along Star Street, down High Street and Union Street, finishing at Western Gardens. Talented local performers will include Mila Lake, star from ITV’s The Voice, Jay Eatwell from Channel 4’s ‘The Piano’, Glow Circus Ariel hoop show, Wyldfire fire show, Huxley Magic, VIVA Drumming, Abbey Brass, Vectis Brass band, Em Johnson, Cara Goodrum, The Ryde Choir, The Christmas Bells, 432 Nomads, Aspire singers, Aspire Creative Hub, IW College Performing Arts Students and many more. Vernon Square Gardens will be transformed into ‘Where the Land Meets the Sea’ with static illuminations to delight all. Meanwhile, St Thomas Rest Gardens will become the ‘Neon Garden’ where shadow play and UV light promises interactive fun for all the family. This year Santa is coming to town – see him in his Grotto on Union Street at The Island Photo Centre, on Friday between 17:00- 20:00, booking is required. Shops in Ryde will be open for late night shopping – be sure to pick up those Christmas gifts! The Royal Victoria Arcade is hosting a craft market with a tempting array of local produce and handmade items.