Something big is coming to Ryde on Saturday 3rd October, as Cross Street is transformed for a spectacular day of free entertainment, live music, performances, workshops and large-scale outdoor spectacle.
The road outside Department will be closed to traffic as performers, artists and local people come together for Ship of Hope, a major new event featuring a giant ship, international artists, live music, dance and a rather unexpected visitor lurking beneath the streets of Ryde.
The legend of the Kraken beneath Ryde
Joe Plumb from Shademakers UK, the team behind the spectacle, explains,
“Legend has it that centuries ago, a giant Kraken roamed the Solent, terrorising sailors and ships.
“Eventually, a band of pirates from Ryde and smugglers from Sandown joined forces to capture the Kraken. They buried it beneath tonnes of earth, which became the hill of Union Street.
“All was calm until one day, a little boy returning from a day crabbing on Ryde Pier tripped and spilled his bucket of seawater into a crack in the road. The water trickled deep underground and reawakened the Kraken. If our scientists are correct, it will begin to emerge beneath Cross Street on Saturday 3rd October.”
Colour, light and happiness to save the town
The people of Ryde are now being called upon to gather around Shademakers UK’s giant ship and help defeat the Kraken through the only things powerful enough to stop it: colour, light and happiness.
Joe added,
“We want everyone to come together, get creative and help us save the town!
“There will be free family-friendly workshops, dance, music and performances throughout the day. Come and create, collaborate, celebrate and bring the colour.”
A full day of activities from 11am
The day begins at 11am with Rise and Shine, a Pilates session led by Becci Wilkinson, before Cross Street comes alive with activities and performances throughout the afternoon.
International artists and street percussion
Among the highlights will be the extraordinary Sirens’ Song from French company Mécanique Vivante, internationally celebrated artists who have been creating their unique musical machines and performances since 1989.
Their spectacular sirens will appear around Ryde at various points during the afternoon before joining the event’s grand finale.
Joe said,
“This is a very special moment for Ryde.
“To have internationally celebrated artists bringing these stunning musical creations to our streets is incredibly exciting. The Sirens are a mesmerising sight and sound, and I think it will create an unforgettable moment for the town.”
Batala Portsmouth
Also taking to the streets will be samba-reggae percussion band Batala Portsmouth, bringing their unmistakable sound and energy to the event.
Lily George, one of the directors of Shademakers UK, said,
“Batala entertain audiences around the world as well as appearing at carnivals, festivals and processions closer to home.
“We love working with them and cannot wait to hear that incredible sound filling the streets of Ryde.”
Local talent on the ship stage
The programme also celebrates home-grown talent, with local sea shanty groups The Brighstone Barnacles and Sea Gels bringing nautical songs to the Ship of Hope, while Dance Vibez and Downland Movement Collective present special performances on the ship stage.
Free creative workshops at Department
Department will also be packed with free creative activities throughout the day, from colourful collage to hands-on making, including workshops led by collage artist Saskia Karin and mural artist Katy-Rose.
Grand finale as the ship sets sail
The day builds towards a spectacular finale from 6pm, when the giant Ship of Hope sets sail from Cross Street and makes its way down Union Street in a special procession filled with music, colour and performance.
Joe said,
“We’re so pleased that Ship of Hope can be a flagship event for Creative Island’s CAN YOU HEAR US? programme.
“It brings together the large-scale spectacle Shademakers UK does best, the incredible international work of Mécanique Vivante and the creativity of performers, artists and communities from across the Island.
“This is an event everyone can be part of. It’s about filling the streets, making some noise and celebrating everything that is amazing about Ryde and the Isle of Wight.”
Where and when
Ship of Hope takes place on Cross Street, Ryde, from 11am on Saturday 3rd October, with the final procession beginning at 6pm.
All activities are free.
For the full schedule of performances, workshops and activities, follow Department and Shademakers UK on social media.
News shared by Joe on behalf of Shademakers Uk. Ed
