Thousands of people lined the streets of Ryde on Saturday (4th July) as glorious sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s IW Mardi Gras, celebrating the Isle of Wight’s stories, myths and legends.
Organised by New Carnival, the annual event adopted the theme ‘Folktastic Isle: Stories, Myths and Legends’ as part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival and the National Year of Reading’s Go All In campaign.
The day began with the free Mini Mardi Gras on Simeon Street Recreation Ground, featuring family activities, workshops, circus skills, live entertainment and creative sessions.
The afternoon parade then wound through Ryde, bringing together giant puppets, colourful costumes, live music and hundreds of participants from schools, community groups and carnival organisations across the Isle of Wight.
Among those attending were the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Nigel Hartley, Isle of Wight Council Chair Ian Dore, Ryde Mayor Karen Lucioni and Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley.
Nigel Hartley, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, has said:
“These talented and diverse groups of children and adults created a parade which was world class. We were very honoured to be there and to witness their contagious energy and commitment to our wonderful, creative Island.”
New Carnival has thanked its volunteers, schools, performers, sponsors and funders for helping deliver the event, as well as the thousands who turned out to support one of the Isle of Wight’s biggest community arts celebrations.
Chief Executive Hannah Ray said months of preparation had “paid off” as the sunshine and crowds helped make this year’s Mardi Gras “a huge success”.
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