Crowds flocked to the streets of Ryde for the penultimate carnival of the season yesterday evening (Thursday).
After traveling around the Isle of Wight during the summer, the carnival floats once more to Ryde for the final procession of what is one of England’s oldest carnivals.
The weather remained warm and dry for participants and spectators who covered the route from the Esplanade, up Dover Street and Park Road into the city, and down Union Street and along the Esplanade.
This year, the 40-minute carnival was streamed live on YouTube and a special viewing platform was installed outside Dover Park Primary School for those with disabilities.
At just 40 minutes long, this year’s carnival was shorter than previous years – which isn’t all that surprising considering the carnival hasn’t started since 2019 due to the pandemic. A notable absence was that of any local school and the tradition of having the town’s first fire department.
The final carnival of the 2022 season will be held in Ryde on Saturday, when the illuminated procession sets off at 8.30pm.
PHOTOS:
