By Isle of Wight Observer
Hundreds of people filled the streets of Ryde as Ship of Hope transformed Cross Street into a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and a large-scale outdoor performance, last Saturday.
The free event, produced by Isle of Wight-based arts organisation, Shademakers UK, brought together international artists, local performers, musicians, dancers, and hundreds of residents for a day of live entertainment, creative workshops, and spectacle, culminating in a colourful procession down Union Street.
At the heart of the event was a giant Ship of Hope, and a rather unexpected visitor emerging from beneath the streets of Ryde – a Kraken.
Joe Plumb, from Shademakers UK, the team behind the spectacle, said: “Legend has it that centuries ago, a giant Kraken roamed the Solent, terrorising sailors and ships.
“Eventually, a band of pirates from Ryde and smugglers from Sandown joined forces to capture the Kraken, and buried it beneath tons of earth, which became the hill of Union Street.
“Unfortunately, a little boy returning from a day crabbing on Ryde Pier tripped and spilled his bucket of sea-water into a crack in the road. The water trickled deep underground, reawakened the Kraken and, on Saturday, it finally emerged!”
The people of Ryde were called upon to gather around Shademakers UK’s giant ship, and help defeat the creature through the only things powerful enough to stop it: colour, light, and happiness.
And Ryde rose to the challenge. Throughout the day, Cross Street was filled with free performances and activities, as audiences were encouraged to create, collaborate, and become part of the unfolding story.
The entertainment included local sea shanty groups, The Brighstone Barnacles and Sea Gels, bringing nautical songs to the Ship of Hope, alongside performances from Dance Vibez and Downland Movement Collective.
Inside Department, families took part in a packed programme of free creative activities throughout the day, creating colourful artwork, props and objects, to help bring the colour and defeat the Kraken.
The event culminated at 6pm as the giant Shipe of Hope set sail from Cross Street, travelling down Union Street surrounded by performers, musicians, and members of the community.
The colour and creativity of the day and the people of Ryde successfully defeated the Kraken, and saved the town.
