Mardi Gras returned to the streets of Ryde last Saturday (8th July) with a dazzling array of colour, music and performance.
The annual extravaganza was yet another exhilarating and vibrant event that captivated audiences.
This year’s event, themed ‘The Year of the Coast’, was the most extraordinary celebration yet, showcasing the rich tapestry of wildlife, heritage, and culture that make up the Isle of Wight coastline.
Over 20 local school and community groups took part in the parade, which winded its way through the streets of Ryde, adorned with flamboyant costumes, fabulous large puppets and backpacks, and infectious rhythms.
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras has established itself as a highlight of the Island’s events calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond. It is the 1st of many big events in Ryde over the Summer period and is a precursor to the more traditional carnivals.
Hannah Ray, New Carnival Director and event organiser has said:
“We were thrilled to showcase and celebrate the ‘Year of the coast’, bringing people together through the joyous and exuberant atmosphere of Mardi Gras.
Article continues below this advertisement “This year’s event was a remarkable showcase of creativity, talent, and hard work by all those involved, and we are delighted that so many were able to join us for this unforgettable celebration”.
If you watched the Mardi Gras this weekend New Carnival would be very grateful if you could spare a few minutes to fill out this audience survey for the Arts Council – https://www.illuminate-data.org.uk/survey/pftqxr – which will help organisers understand the audience better and make further improvements.
Didn’t know it was on, only seen publicity for Pride event. Such a shame as looked great. Because so many relying on so many media and social media one has to be constantly looking,in old days was just in County Press events and we all knew where. If you don’t have Facebook hard to find boot sales as well.
Same here, would have loved to have gone to this but had no idea it was on just had pride shoved down my neck for the last 6 weeks instead.
Cost of living crisis must be affecting costume design. These outfits look like they were made by six year olds and recovered from a skip. Hardly Rio is it?
Most of the costumes are designed and crafted by school children, what do you expect?
Your IP address shows you up as being behind several accounts on here , solely to stir the pot?
I love you all, especially you James.
As does yours.
Only a minority on here who aren’t stirring the pot, including you Jimmy (we know who you are). That is what makes the comments so funny.
You Sad person.Think they were great well done all involved a great day for all
But I am a happy soul. I just have high standards.
You think the gutter is high standard? Really? Still the gutter is ful of the detritus you try to be funny with” cio “
I bet you are a real joy to be around – miserable old sod
Oi, less of the old, cheeky monkey
Most of the groups are actually made up of school children (mainly primary but some high) and they make their outfits themselves.
It is a great event, with lots going on in the town during the day before and after the parade.
Just another event that causes more disruption on the Island.
Events like this should take place in parks or on beaches
not down busy streets like Union Street.
The carnivals are another pain in the ar*e that bring unnessecary road closures.
They too should be held in parks or on beaches
I agree. Hardly worth doing in public if the quality of the show is this poor. Keep it in the schools. Any visitors will think we are a bunch of simpletons. Other towns and cities put on carnivals with a much higher standard than this dross.
Another nonsense event bringing more disruption to the Island