Ryde’s Merry and Bright festive celebration will get underway today (Friday, December 8), aiming to spread a little Christmas joy and light up the dark winter nights.
Merry and Bright, presented by New Carnival and Ryde Town Council, is an annual holiday event based in Ryde Town.
This year’s event is gets underway today and carries on through tomorrow (Saturday, December 9).
Talented Island performers will include Mila Lake, star of ITV’s The Voice, Jay Eatwell, from Channel 4’s The Piano, Glow Circus Ariel hoop show, Wyldfire fire show, Huxley Magic, VIVA Drumming, Vectis Brass band, and many more.
For 2023, Merry and Bright is introducing indoor venues for performances to keep everyone warm.
Vernon Square Gardens is being transformed into ‘where the land meets the sea’ static illuminations.
St Thomas Rest Gardens is becoming the ‘neon garden’, where shadow play and UV light promise interactive fun for all the family.
Santa is also arriving in Ryde, and you can visit him in his grotto at The Island Photo Centre on Union Street.
Ryde shops will remain open for late-night shopping and the Royal Victoria Arcade is hosting a craft market with a tempting array of local produce and handmade items.
Tonight, between 6-7pm, a magical lantern parade will include the Polar Express train on its way to the North Pole.
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