The rain has stopped and the skies are brightening up, just in time for Ryde’s ‘Merry and Bright’, a two-day Festive Celebration, taking place today, Friday 8th and tomorrow, Saturday 9th December.
The final full programme of entertainment and activities hosted by New Carnival and Ryde Town Council is downloadable via New Carnival’s Website now.
There is free entertainment and activities for all ages: a wonderful winter showcase of local talent. And many of the independent shops will remain open for late night shopping.
See the Polar Express train
Tonight, watch a Magical Lantern parade, from 6-7pm, featuring the Polar Express train on its way to the North Pole.
Starting near Aspire, at the top of Dover Street for 5.45pm.
The parade will go along Star Street, down the High Street and Union Street, finishing at Western gardens. Everyone is welcome.
Talented local performers
Incredible local talented performers local talented performers including Mila Lake, star from ITV’s the Voice, Jay Eatwell from Channel 4’s ‘The Piano’, Glow Circus Ariel hoop show, Wyldfire fire show, Huxley Magic, VIVA Drumming, Abbey Brass, Vectis Brass band, Em Johnson, Cara Goodrum, The Ryde Choir, The Christmas Bells, 432 Nomads, Aspire singers, Aspire Creative Hub, IW College Performing Arts Students and many more.
For 2023 Merry and Bright introduce indoor venues for performances to keep everyone warm, check the programme to reserve a space.
Illuminated Gardens
Green spaces in Ryde Town- Vernon Square Gardens will be transformed into ‘Where the land meets the Sea’ Static Illuminations to delight all.
St Thomas Rest gardens becomes the ‘Neon Garden’ where shadow play and UV light promises interactive fun for all the family.
Santa’s Grotto
This year Santa is coming to town, come and see him in his Grotto on Union Street at The Island Photo Centre, on Friday evening 5-8pm.
Book on Eventbrite to reserve a spot £3.00 fee. Additional option to have a professional Christmas portrait taken on the night.
Late night shopping
Ryde shops are open for Late night shopping- be sure to pick up those Christmas gifts! The Royal Victoria Arcade is hosting a Craft Market with a tempting array of local produce and handmade items, don’t miss it.
Gemma Mallinson from New Carnival says:
“This Merry and Bright is set to be the biggest and best yet. Schools and Colleges have contributed art works as well as IW Adult and Community Learners, ‘Isle of Creativity’ 16-30yr old group, Waving the Flag Carnival group, and the Railway by the Sea Project.
“Railway based lanterns, Digital mapped projections, String art, drumming and a bespoke Soundscape Treasure hunt have been created especially for this event.”
An annual event
Merry and Bright is an annual holiday event based in Ryde Town. It aims to bring the community together, lighting up the dark winter evenings and spreading a little festive joy for everyone.
For more information, and to download the full event programme, visit the website.
For bookings visit Eventbrite.
