Carnival company exhibition marks end of an era for some and new beginning for others

On Monday 4th April a new exhibition was officially opened at Ryde Library, titled ‘Island Carnival Memories – A Rather Bewildering Spectacle’. ‘A Rather Bewildering Spectacle’ is how the local paper described the very first Carnival in Ryde in 1887 in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.

This exhibition showcases the work of the New Carnival Company and partners over the past two years on their project of the same name. The Isle of Wight has one of the most prolific and historical carnival traditions in this country and the aim of this exhibition is to celebrate that fact.

Oral history project
The exhibition features a collection of reminiscences, stories and photographs contributed by Isle of Wight carnival people in a fascinating Oral History project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project aims were to share and celebrate the Island’s rich carnival heritage, one that has defined our popular culture for more than a century.

Memories and experiences from last 80 years
Working with Lisa Kerley from InspireEd, and Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Island residents were interviewed and their memories and experiences of Island Carnivals over the past 80 years were collected.

These interviews have now been collected on a Website for future generations as a legacy of these experiences.

Educational programme
An intergenerational approach saw the ‘HAF: Holiday Activity and Food’ programme for children taking inspiration from the past carnivals. It was delivered by The New Carnival Company, Theatre Educational and Aspire, all based in Ryde.

Residents taking in the exhibition panels in new exhibition

Children learnt about the history of Ryde Carnival and created their own versions of some of the most iconic memories including The Keystone Kops, King Kong, The Ryde Buccaneers, The Flintstones, Carnival Queens and lots more. This culminated in a performance in Ryde town Centre during Ryde Carnival Week.

10 years of The New Carnival Company
The opening of the exhibition was also a party to celebrate 10 years of The New Carnival Company. It was here that Chris Slann (Executive Director) and Frankie Goldspink (Creative Director) of the NCC, announced that after 20 years working with Island Carnivals, and 10 years at the NCC, they will now be working in a freelance capacity.

This will allow them to focus on their other interests – including their new venture ‘Chris and Frankie – Creative Ways Outdoors’ and their new roles at the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association. Alison Knapman (General Manager) will also be stepping back a little.

Jo Treagus Chair of the New Carnival Company said,

“I am sure we all want to thank Chris and Frankie for all the colour, sparkle and joy they have brought to the Isle of Wight over the years!”

New leadership
The new team in charge of the future of The New Carnival Company are:

Hannah Ray – Executive Director
Gina Dyer – Director, Creative Production
Katy Edmunds – Director, Performing Arts and Events
Gemma Mallinson – Administrative and Creative Manager

The new team have many years of carnival and outdoor arts events experience between them. They are looking forward to continuing the amazing legacy of The New Carnival Company and building upon it to extend the positive impact on the Island.

Over the next few years, the team will build on their three flagship events – Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, Crossing the Bar and Merry and Bright, making them bigger and better than ever before.

Ray: Positive effects art and creativity have on mental health and wellbeing
Hannah Ray says,

“We are excited to continue working with our local community and likeminded organisations to grow and develop our key events. We will develop our provision for young people, listening to their needs and increasing opportunities.
“We have witnessed first-hand the positive effects that art and creativity have on mental health and wellbeing. We are committed to environmental responsibility within carnival, working nationally and internationally to ensure carnival arts have a sustainable future.”

Where and when
The exhibition is open until the end of May.

Ryde Library is open