Isle of Wight organisations New Carnival and Viva Carnival have secured funding for a project celebrating the Isle of Wight’s coastal communities and neighbouring towns.
The funding, awarded by South Western Railway, Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) 2023-24, is a new round of funding supporting 57 projects across the South Western Rail network.
‘A Railway by the Sea’ aims to bring people together through carnival-based activities to celebrate the communities and the area that they live in, and to enhance sustainable tourism and travel, connecting Isle of Wight Costal Communities.
‘Year of the Coast’
The coastal resorts along the Island line have a rich heritage and ‘seaside’ culture, and as 2023 is the ‘Year of the Coast’ now is a perfect time to celebrate all that the island has to offer.
Director of Performance for New Carnival said, Katy Edmunds, said,
“As the landscape continual changes, it is important to remember our heritage, particularly around the seaside resorts on the railway line.
“This project gives us a chance to celebrate the island’s rich coastline which continues to entice visitors to the Isle of Wight.”
Theme of ‘coastal resort’
Using the ‘coastal resort’ theme, place-based music and artwork will be created celebrating the people and places along the Island line. Samba taster sessions will be delivered in the locality of each station, with an emphasis on inclusivity and removing barriers to participation.
Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor will see follow on community workshops giving an opportunity to further develop drumming skills. In addition, costume making working with young people in education settings will be delivered.
“We want everyone to learn, make friends and have fun”
Yetta from Viva said,
“As an organisation, VIVA (valuing individuals, valuing all) are all about inclusion. We want everyone, no matter your ability, to be able to take part in our samba drumming and carnival sessions, to learn, make friends and have fun.
“Accessing workshop locations can be a huge barrier to participation, so to be able to bring our workshops out to the community along the South Western Rail Network will be fantastic.”
News shared by Gemma on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
