By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde will shine once again when the annual Merry and Bright: Festival of Light returns on Friday (December 5), running from 5pm to 8pm. Now in its fifth year, the free community event is organised by New Carnival, in partnership with Ryde Town Council, and forms a major part of the town’s festive celebrations.
The evening features music, performance, entertainment, family crafts and a Father Christmas grotto, alongside Ryde’s Christmas lights switch-on. Visitors can try dancing with New Carnival or circus skills, while familiar performers entertain the crowds.
At the heart of the event is the Lantern Parade, taking place between 6pm and 7pm. Local primary schools take part along with the Island’s carnival associations, and RAW Samba and other performers.
Aspire will open for refreshments and live music. Vernon Square Gardens will feature illuminated sculptures and a quiet ‘Dark Skies’ area, while St Thomas’s Rest Garden hosts an interactive neon garden. St Thomas’s Church will present music, circus and dance on the main stage, and the former NatWest becomes the creation station with crafts, face painting, tattoos, a wishing tree, and grotto visits.
A craft market fills the Royal Victoria Arcade, and many local businesses will open late. A fiery finale, from wild woods in St Thomas’s Square, will close the night.
You can find out more at iw.observer/merry-and-bright.
Maureen Sullivan