Ryde Town Arts Parade & Regatta takes place this Saturday 11th July.  This must-see parade has all the excitement and panache of a flamboyant Mardi gras carnival and marks the start of Ryde Arts Festival, an eight-day program of fun-filled activities set at various locations throughout the town.

The event coincides with Ryde Regatta, an annual three-day fun-packed programme of family entertainment, local bands and DJ sessions staged on the seafront

 The Ryde Arts Parade is the Isle of Wight Carnival Learning Centre’s flagship event. Over the years the event has grown in size, quality and diversity to become a real favourite for performers and visitors alike. 

Over 1000 costumed performers and musicians from local schools and community groups take part.

Click on image to visit Island Pulse ‘Ryde Arts Parade’ photo galleries:

This year’s theme in 2009 is the first in a series of four, counting down to the London Olympics in 2012. For you to be inspired by the themes and core values of the Cultural Olympiad.

Ryde Arts Parade Theme 2009: Everyone’s Games ancient games, modern games, traditional games, fantasy games, board games, nursery games, team games, games from around the world, games to learn by, games to challenge, games for sharing.

Starts 1pm Dover St to Ryde Esplanade, for more information visit the Isle of Wight carnival Learning Centre website HERE:

Something else to look forward to: The return of London 2012’s ‘Open Weekend’. 24th-26th July

Last September, all over the UK, more than 750,000 people took part in the first ‘Open Weekend’ to launch the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. More than 80% of the events were created specifically for Open Weekend and half resulted in new participants. Due to popular demand, the event will return in 2009 – it will be bigger and better, incorporating cultural, sporting and environmental initiatives. This year’s Open Weekend will take place between 24-26 July 2009 and will be part of the celebrations to mark the three year countdown to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on 27th July 2012.

The Carnival Learning Centre will be putting on a special event with creative partners to mark Open Weekend on the Isle of Wight, so mark the date in your diary now!

Details HERE: