Mardi Gras Exhibition opens in Ryde

The New Carnival Company (NCC) hosted the launch of its Mardi Gras Exhibition of Costumes and Learning at Ryde Library last night (Tuesday, Aug 2).

The exhibition brings together information about the research and design process that many of the schools and groups went through, to present their colourful Global Biosphere themes at this year’s Mardi Gras.

The launch was attended by a number of people who were involved in the Mardi Gras, from school representatives to Richard Grogan from IW Area of Natural Beauty (AONB). Richard highlighted how successful the relationship between NCC and IW AONB had been to promote and inform the public about Global Biospheres and support the IW’s bid to achieve biosphere status.

Frankie Goldspink, NCCs Creative Director said

“Lots of people think of carnival as being just a one-day event. This exhibition shows just how much work goes into preparing for Mardi Gras. It’s a year-round programme of learning about new ideas and topics. The biosphere theme will culminate next year when we will present a whole parade about the Isle of Wight”

After the speeches, Councillor Christine Hall, the deputy mayor of Ryde, cut the ribbon that allowed guests upstairs to the fascinating exhibition.

The NCC welcome everyone to come and view the creativity and hard work put in by so many people on the Island, which helped to make this year’s Mardi Gras such a success. The exhibition is now open to the public until August 31.