Don’t forget that the Mardi Gras comes to the Isle of Wight tomorrow. Well, to Ryde to be more precise.
The line-up for this year’s Mardi Gras parade includes a whopping 750 adults, children and young people, including special guests The London School of Samba.
The parade itself sets off at 3pm, but there’s lots going on down on the esplanade from midday with live music, a carnival showcase, arts and crafts workshops, a BBQ and beer and wine bar.
Frankie Goldspink, Participation and Learning Manager for the New Carnival Company explained,
“Each year the Mardi Gras takes an educational theme to encourage schools in particular to embrace Carnival in the Curriculum and give a depth to learning, discovery and creativity. This year’s theme is Natural Geographic, so visitors can expect to see geography, geology, environmental science, people and places like they’ve never seen before!”
Where and when
The Parade leaves Ryde School, Queens Road at about 3pm, heading for High Street, Union Street and The Esplanade, arriving 4.30pm approximately.
Mardi Gras magic unfolds at Eastern Esplanade Gardens throughout the afternoon.
With a specially commissioned live Cultural Music Stage featuring a mix of carnival and music acts including the RASPO Steel Band Ensemble, popular local artist Derek Sandy and headline act The Lutenant’s, top Soca (calypso) duo from London.
The stage opens at 12 noon and the event also features an Arts & Crafts Marquee, beer tent and a BBQ.
