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RYDE FESTIVE FUN DAY - SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER

Ryde Business Association is joining forces with the IW Council’s Carnival Learning Centre and Ryde Arts Festival to bring to Ryde a Festive Fun Day!

And with Wightlink’s special 2 for 1 offer bringing you right to the heart of all the action, there’s never been a better time to visit. 

There will be Morris dancers, African drummers, jugglers, stilt walkers, brass band, bell ringers, children’s choirs, face painting in the Victoria Arcade, and balloons will be on sale by 'Party Time'... and of course Father Christmas in his Grotto. There will also be festive wreath making, music, recitals and singing in St Thomas Heritage Centre.

Children under 15 years can get active and play a game at LA Bowl for half price, and there will be a bouncy castle on the nearby Western Gardens (weather permitting).  

The Farmers Market will be in Town Square with delicious goodies to buy from 7.30am - 1.00pm, and Ryde's eclectic mix of cafes, bars and restaurants will be dishing up a an extra feast of festive cheer and entertainment: pop into The Kasbah for an light snack and see the belly dancer! Mulled wine, roast chestnuts and live music will be rocking round the Christmas Tree at The King Lud pub; Michaelangelos restaurant will be hosting a traditional Italian market; or enjoy a tasty pub lunch at The Crown.

For the kids, there will be a special window spotting competition - details can be found in the Festive Fun Day programme, available from Ryde Tourist Information Centre, 'Bear Necesseties', 'Attraction' or 'Splash'.

The Isle of Wight Council’s St Thomas’ Heritage Centre will be opening its doors from 10am to 5pm for a day of fun activities, including a festival garland and wreath making session, while local musicians perform throughout the day in this historic building.  Mulled wine, mince pies and tea & coffee will also be available.

The day will end with the twinkling lights of the Christmas Lantern Light Parade at 6pm, which heads out from Dover Park and Greenmount Schools, passing through the town and down Union Street, before rounding off with a fantastic Firework display.

Many shops will be open till 6.00pm with special promotions instore, so please come along and enjoy Ryde’s fantastic Festive Fun Day.

For more information, head for Ryde Tourist Information Centre, located opposite the Wightlink catamaran terminal.