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See Ryde as you never have before!

Ariba, ariba - it's festival time on the Isle of Wight as thousands of revellers take to the streets of Ryde for the UK's oldest and the Island's biggest carnival of the year!

Throughout the summer, Islanders stage over a dozen carnivals culminating in the last carnival of the season at the end of the summer holidays - the ultimate carnival at Ryde. Featuring over 2000 performers and dozens of colourful floats, this is a sensory feast of light, sound and movement not to be missed.

Ryde Carnival is reputed to be the oldest established carnival is England. The first true event was held in 1888 but the real origins extend a year further back to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee of 1887. These days, the flamboyantly dressed dancers, creative carnival floats and giant costumed characters are more akin to Rio than Ryde. So, see Ryde as you never have before and get ready to party!

There are three to choose from but the Illuminated Carnival on Saturday, 1 September is the most spectacular.
Main Carnival - Thursday 30th August
Children's Carnival - Friday 31 August
Illuminated Carnival - Saturday 1st September

For start times and procession routes, visit www.rydecarnival.co.uk - full details of other Island carnivals can be found at www.isleofwight-arts.co.uk/carnivals.aspx