GALLERY: The grey skies cleared and the sunshine broke through for Ryde’s main carnival this evening (Saturday), although crowd numbers were visibly down at this year’s event which was held earlier than normal in the carnival calendar.
The annual procession, which moved off at the early time of 17:00, featured an array of floats, costumes and entertainers although many spectators commented on the turnout, with the parade lasting less than 25 minutes.
With the sun beating down on the streets of Ryde, the crowds enjoyed the delights of the carnival with queens from Ryde, Newport, Sandown, Shanklin, St Helens and Ventnor all attending, following the normal route from Dover Street to the High Street and back down Union Street to the Esplanade.
There was a notable absence of any of the Island’s marching bands, a tradition in carnival processions. Island Echo understands at least one marching band did not attend as they were asked to perform free of charge unlike in years gone by. The local fire station was also absent from the parade.
In a tribute to the late Gloria Minghella MBE – who walked the carnival route every year – her family, including Gloria’s husband Eddie Minghella, joined today’s carnival wearing ‘Team Gloria’ t-shirts, collecting donations as Mrs Minghella did for so many years.
The carnival circus moves on to Shanklin on Wednesday for the town’s Main Carnival, moving off at 19:00.
Ryde’s Children’s Parade will be held on 29th August at 14:45, with the Illuminated procession to be held on 30th August at 20:15.
GALLERY:
