Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Ryde transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the Merry & Bright Festival of Light 2024.
Organized by New Carnival in partnership with Ryde Town Council, this free, family-friendly event – held on Friday 6th December – brings the community together for a dazzling display of lights, performances, and festive cheer.
Event Highlights include the Christmas lights switch on at 16:50 at St Thomas’s Square (by the old Natwest building) where Mayor of Ryde Richard May will get the evening’s festivities off to a spectacular start! Don’t miss the ‘12 days of Christmas’ themed Lantern Parade (18:00 – 19:00) which will be led by the Isle of Wight College’s performing arts students. They have prepared a brand new ‘Wassailing’ inspired routine, which will culminate with a short performance at the Western Gardens to round off the parade.
Other not to be missed attractions are Santas Grotto, new indoor ‘Creation Station’ for Christmas crafts, and digital graffiti in Network Ryde, exclusive technology from the Institute of Technology in Canada. Live performances, including Aspire’s Creative Hub take over on the Main Stage in Town Square, with LED screen. The 432 Nomads collective are back from Portsmouth, Huxley Magic, Glow circus, Enchanted Isle characters, Baron Fortitude, Brass Bands, Raw Samba, Wyld fire – fire show, and many more
Hannah Ray, New Carnival director says:
“This is the 5th year of Merry and Bright Festival of Light in Ryde. A true community effort, we bring you a host of local talent and a bigger than ever ‘12 days of Christmas’ themed lantern parade. We are excited to have two new indoor spaces as well as the usual outdoor areas so we can ensure family fun for all ages, check out the full programme on our website.”
Experience Vernon Square Garden’s Winter Wonderland illuminated sculptures, with an Isle of Wight Dark Skies themed area. St Thomas Rest Garden’s Neon Garden has interactive shadow play, UV art, and Light Art Creatives’ Digital Graffiti Projections at Network Ryde. Free Christmas crafts and face painting in the ‘Creation Station’ old Natwest bank.
The Royal Victoria Arcade hosts a bustling craft ‘Makers Market’ perfect for unique gifts. Many local shops and eateries will be open late and offering exclusive deals and festive treats.
Check out lots of amazing new artworks by the New Carnival creative team and a host of local community and school groups including Network Ryde, Isle of Creativity, Ryde School Pre Prep, Forest Edge School, Breakout Youth, Ryde Family Hub, Ryde Sea Scouts, and many, many more!
Want to be part of the magic? Get your lantern kit for £10 and join the parade! Kits can be purchased by emailing [email protected] or visiting The Coaching House, Ryde (Mon-Thurs).
For the full programme and updates, visit www.newcarnival.co.uk/annual-events/merry-bright-festival-of-light.
New carnival are a fantastic creative community group well done all! Now when are our council going to put the Christmas lights up we paid for??
Shame the weather was a bit rough for the occasion,
always a good event though.