On Saturday 9th July the Mardi Gras took place in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Over 20 school and community groups took part, with around 1,000 participants, the majority of whom were children and young people from the Island.
The streets of the town were packed with people excited to see the return of this much-loved New Carnival event.
‘Our World Our Future’
The theme this year was ‘Our World Our Future’ with each group representing one of the 17 different UN Sustainability Development Goals from ‘stop climate change’, ‘save wildlife’, to ‘responsible tourism’ and ‘respect and tolerance’.
All the groups learnt about their topic before designing and making their costumes, practising dances, and learning this year’s song.
‘Our World Our Future’ anthem
Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub developed the anthem ‘Our World Our Future’, with lyrics taken from workshops with children in schools discussing what they think about the future, the environment, the economy and big issues that young people will face by 2030.
The music was composed by Jo Downs. The song was performed by all the groups in the ‘Big Sing Out’ at 2.45pm just before the parade set off.
Andre: We have to continually demonstrate our commitment
Cllr Debbie Andre, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills, spoke before the parade to a group of invited dignitaries and special guests and said,
“As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we can’t rest on our laurels, we have to continually demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and improvement, and education, through fantastic projects like the Mardi Gras which are key to ensuring that the younger generation grow up aware of these issues and are passionate about making a positive difference.”
Free from all petrol and diesel vehicles
In keeping with this year’s theme, the parade was free from all petrol and diesel vehicles. Greenmount school used an electric car to transport their music, but all the other groups used bikes, trollies and push chairs to transport their big speakers, which was a great success.
New Carnival also encouraged groups to use more sustainable materials in their costumes this year and were pleased to see this was evident in the parade. The creative team at New Carnival also created two large individual costumes that were made of over 75 per cent sustainable materials.
New circular route a success
The new circular route this year went down well with participants and audience members alike. As did the ‘Quiet Zone’ along The Strand for anyone with sensory issues or who simply do not like loud noises.
The young children’s activities at Mini Mardi Gras in Minghella Square were also popular as was the Art in the Garden, Art and Craft fair at St Thomas’ which saw lots of local artists and makers sharing their work.
National Children’s Carnival Week
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras marks the start of National Children’s Carnival Week where Carnival organisations and artists around the country, have put together unique packages of activities for schools and youth groups for the second ‘National Children’s Carnival Week: 9th – 17th July 2022’.
This celebration of Carnival brings the magic of creative learning after such a challenging time.
Ray: Fantastic to see people coming together
Hannah Ray from New Carnival said,
“We were so pleased with the Mardi Gras this year, having not been able to do a parade for over two years it was fantastic to see people coming together, lining the streets, smiling, and dancing.
“The children and young people were all outstanding, their creativity and performance skills shone as much as the sunshine.
“As well as our funders we are very grateful to all the volunteers, teachers, helpers, carers, families, children and young people who invest huge amounts of time and effort to ensure the Mardi Gras is such a success. Thank you!”
News shared by Gemma on behalf of New Carnival Company. Ed
Image: © Tracy Curtis
