'Ticket To Ryde' Launches To Boost Arts Sector And Town's Economy

From music and meditation to storytelling, dancing and spoken word - this summer Ryde will be a hype of activity with street entertainment taking place every weekend in August.

In a bid to boost the local economy The ‘Ticket to Ryde’ scheme has officially launched thanks to Monkton Arts and Ryde Town Council.

Various types of performers and entertainment will take place in five locations across the town for Islanders and visitors to go and enjoy.

Organisers Monkton Arts say the events have been carefully considered to avoid large crowds and to maintain social distancing and public safety.

The key locations where the free events will take place are:

• Western Gardens (PO33 2HE)
• St Thomas Square (PO33 2PJ)
• Co-Op Square (PO33 2SX)
• Eastern Gardens (PO33 2EL)
• Appley Park (PO33 1NS)

Each week will see a different poster displayed at the locations, revealing what’s happening. at various times between 10 am and 4 pm throughout the day. 

Mayor of Ryde Michael Lilley has been behind the scheme, he told Isle of Wight Radio:

'I am so pleased to support Monkton Arts and their wonderful band of local performers bringing joy and music to Ryde during August. Ryde Town Council positively responded to Monkton Arts proposal. The theme Ticket to a Ryde was first used in the 1990s as a successful promotional campaign and this has been revived this year to give a boost to Ryde post Lockdown. We need visitors but visitors who are respecting the need for following the social distancing rules to prevent a second Covid19 outbreak. 

‘Jenna of Monkton Arts has come up with an exciting set of little performance activities across the Town and near the beaches to make us smile and relax. The Council have worked closely with WightLink and Hovertravel to promote Ticket to Ryde campaign and last week was honoured to be joined by the Lord Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Rob Wood in launching the campaign and going on the Hover and FastCat with a Ticket to Ryde. The sun is truly shining in Ryde with music in our ears. Please come and visit.'

Jenna, who runs Monkton Arts told Isle of Wight Radio:

“We have been asked to organise the events around Ryde in five locations, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August. It has had really nice feedback and there will be constant music all the time at Western Gardens and that will hopefully - anyone that comes off the ferries will hear the music and see the high street and use the shops - which will take them straight up to town - rather than the beaches.’

A spokesperson for Wightklink said:

'Wightlink is working with Ryde Town Council to encourage more people to cross the Solent in August. Wightlink’s website features a wealth of information to promote Ryde as a ‘must-see’ destination with fantastic shops and restaurants and we are using our popular social media channels to highlight the town’s attractions.

'Kids go free on all day-return sailings in the school holidays (one free child ticket for every adult travelling) – a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy all Ryde has to offer.

'We are also extending the Evening Flyer to encourage mainlanders to visit Ryde from Monday to Thursday departing Portsmouth after 13:00 (Fare £16.40 adult and £8.20 child). This will enable them to take advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out offers in Ryde from Monday to Wednesday.  https://www.wightlink.co.uk/go/discounts/offer/summer-evening-flyer/ All passengers must book in advance as capacity on board the FastCats is limited to allow social- distancing.'

Stuart James, Director of Marketing and Innovation said:

“Now is the perfect time for people to enjoy Ryde’s unique attractions. Whether they want a great meal, boutique shops or an afternoon on the beach, Wightlink’s FastCats will take you there in just 22 minutes" 

See the full listing on the ticket to Ryde Events website and find out more or visit Monkton Arts' Facebook Page.