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Isle of Wight Mardi Gras Set To Celebrate Year of the Coast

This year's Isle of Wight Mardi Gras carnival parade will celebrate a Year of the Coast theme, with young people at the forefront of the event.

The parade, which takes place on Saturday July 8 from 3pm, will start at Simeon Recreation ground in Ryde and feature more than 20 schools and community groups.

The Year of the Coast 2023 marks the creation of a coastal footpath around the Isle of Wight and other areas of England.

This is set to be the longest way marked section of coastal footpath in the world, measuring 2,800 miles long.

The carnival parade kicks off National Children's Carnival Week, which takes place between July 8 to 16.

Hannah Ray, Director of New Carnival, said:

"We are thrilled to celebrate the Year of the Coast 2023 with our young people's carnival parade.

"This year's parade is set to be a vibrant and exciting celebration of our beautiful coast, and we can't wait for everyone to join us."

The parade will feature music from Raw Samba and Fat Samba, bringing carnival beats to Ryde town to keep everyone dancing.

It will also include some special guest contributors, such as carnival artist Donna Fox touring her Spirit of Montserrat costume inspired by Irish, African and Arawak cultural influences.

Meanwhile, fashion student Joel Lines will be showcasing his costumes created for his degree show at Central St Martins College London.

The Quiet Zone, introduced last year, will remain in place for audience members who prefer to watch without loud noises from the bands and speakers.

Further information is available online.

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