One Week Until Merry And Bright Festival In Ryde

Ryde is set to transform into a magical winter wonderland as the annual Merry & Bright Festival of Light returns for 2024.

Organised by New Carnival in partnership with Ryde Town Council, this free, family-friendly event brings the community together for a dazzling display of lights, performances, and festive cheer.

Event Highlights include the Christmas lights switch on at 4.50pm at St Thomas’s Square (by the old Natwest building) where Mayor of Ryde Richard May will get the evening’s festivities off to a spectacular start.

Don’t miss the ‘12 days of Christmas’ themed Lantern Parade (6-7pm) which will be led by the Isle of Wight College’s performing arts students.

They have prepared a brand new ‘Wassailing’ inspired routine, which will culminate with a short performance at the Western Gardens to round off the parade.

Other not to be missed attractions are Santas Grotto, new indoor ‘Creation Station’ for Christmas crafts, and digital graffiti in Network Ryde, exclusive technology from the Institute of Technology in Canada.

Live performances, including Aspire’s Creative Hub take over on the Main Stage in Town Square, with LED screen.

The 432 Nomads collective are back from Portsmouth, Huxley Magic, Glow circus, Enchanted Isle characters, Baron Fortitude, Brass Bands, Raw Samba and Wyld Fire.

Hannah Ray, New Carnival director, said:

"This is the fifth year of Merry and Bright Festival of Light in Ryde.

"A true community effort, we bring you a host of local talent and a bigger than ever ‘12 days of Christmas’ themed lantern parade.

"We are excited to have two new indoor spaces as well as the usual outdoor areas so we can ensure family fun for all ages, check out the full programme on our website."

Want to be part of the magic? Get your lantern kit for £10 and join the parade.

Kits can be purchased by emailing info@newcarnival.co.uk or visiting The Coaching House, Ryde (Monday - Thursday).

Event details

Date: Friday, December 6
Time: 5pm - 8pm in Ryde town