A FREE festival is set to transform Ryde into a winter wonderland in the run-up to Christmas.

The Merry and Bright Festival of Light 2024, organised by New Carnival, in partnership with Ryde Town Council, will be held next Friday evening (December 6).

The family-friendly event will feature lights, performances and festive cheer.

Read more: Merry and Bright Festival of Light returning to Ryde

Ryde's mayor, Cllr Richard May, will start the festivities with the traditional Christmas lights switch-on at 4.50pm, in St Thomas's Square.

Event highlights also include the '12 Days of Christmas' themed lantern parade, between 6pm and 7pm, led by the Isle of Wight College's performing arts students.

They have prepared a brand new 'Wassailing' style routine, with the parade concluding with a performance at the Western Gardens.

Read more: Spectacular Merry and Bright festive celebration got families in party mood

Other attractions not to be missed includes Santa's grotto, a new indoor 'Creation Station' for Christmas crafts and digital graffiti.

Live performances, including Aspire's Creative Hub, will take over the main stage in the town square, featuring an LED screen.

The 432 Nomads collective are back from Portsmouth, Huxley Magic, Glow Circus, Enchanted Isle characters, Baron Fortitude, brass bands, Raw Samba, and Wyld Fire are among the many acts taking part.

New Carnival director, Hannah Ray, said: "This is the fifth edition of the Merry and Bright Festival of Light.

"A true community effort, we will bring a host of local talent and a bigger-than-ever lantern parade.

"We are excited to have two new indoor spaces, as well as the usual outdoor areas, so we can ensure family fun for all ages."

The festival will also feature illuminated sculptures in Vernon Square Garden, with an Isle of Wight 'Dark Skies' themed area.

A 'Neon Garden', with interactive shadow play, UV art, and Light Art Creatives’ digital graffiti projections, at Network Ryde, will also feature.

There will be Christmas crafts and face painting at the Creation Station and even late-night shopping at The Royal Victoria Arcade, which will host a bustling Craftmakers Market, perfect for picking up unique Christmas gifts.

There will be many shops and eateries open late, offering exclusive deals and festive treats.

If you’re keen to join the parade, you can purchase a lantern kit online through New Carnival for £10.