Mardi Gras Returned To Packed Streets Of Ryde With Fantastic ‘Our World Our Future’ Parade

A very vibrant Mardi Gras returned to Ryde last weekend — to streets packed with onlookers.

More than 20 school and community groups took part in the much-loved New Carnival event — which was back after two years away due to Covid.

This year's new circular route went down well with participants and audience members. As did the ‘Quiet Zone’ along The Strand for anyone with sensory issues.

The young children’s activities at Mini Mardi Gras in Minghella Square were also popular as was the Art in the Garden, Art and Craft fair at St Thomas’ which saw lots of local artists and makers sharing their work.

The theme this year was ‘Our World Our Future’ with each group representing one of the 17 different UN Sustainability Development Goals from ‘stop climate change’, ‘save wildlife’, to ‘responsible tourism’ and ‘respect and tolerance’.

All groups researched their topic before designing and making their costumes, practising dances and learning this year’s song.

Conversations were held within schools, where children discussed what they think about the future, the environment, the economy and big issues that young people will face by 2030.

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub developed the anthem ‘Our World Our Future’, while the music was composed by Jo Downs. The song was performed by all the groups in the ‘Big Sing Out’ at 2.45pm just before the parade set off.

Debbie Andre, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Lifelong Skills, spoke before the parade to a group of invited dignitaries and special guests. She said:

"As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we can’t rest on our laurels, we have to continually demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and improvement, and education, through fantastic projects like the Mardi Gras which are key to ensuring that the younger generation grow up aware of these issues and are passionate about making a positive difference."

In keeping with this year’s theme, the parade was free from all petrol and diesel vehicles.

Greenmount school used an electric car to transport their music, but all the other groups used bikes, trollies and pushchairs to transport their big speakers, which was a great success.

New Carnival also encouraged groups to use more sustainable materials in their costumes this year and were pleased to see this was evident in the parade.

The creative team at New Carnival also created two large individual costumes that were made of over 75% sustainable materials.

The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras marks the start of National Children's Carnival Week where Carnival organisations and artists around the country, have put together unique packages of activities for schools and youth groups for the second National Children's Carnival Week: 9th-17th July. This celebration of carnival brings the magic of creative learning after such a challenging time.

Hannah Ray from New Carnival said:

“We were so pleased with the Mardi Gras this year, having not been able to do a parade for over two years it was fantastic to see people coming together, lining the streets, smiling, and dancing.

"The children and young people were all outstanding, their creativity and performance skills shone as much as the sunshine. As well as our funders we are very grateful to all the volunteers, teachers, helpers, carers, families, children and young people who invest huge amounts of time and effort to ensure the Mardi Gras is such a success. Thank you!”