Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2011 | Page 13

ISLAND LIFE

Carnival

capers

The Island’s Carnival season is
already in full swing, and will
gather pace over the next few
weeks with a series of colourful and
eye-catching parades through the
streets of our main towns.
Carnivals take months to prepare,
but are always well worth the effort
as Islanders and visitors join forces
to pack the pavements and watch
the spectacular processions.
Ventnor Carnival Week starts
August 14. The Main Parade takes

place on August 17 followed by
the hugely popular Illuminated
Carnival on August 20. This year
marks the 122nd anniversary of the
first Ventnor Carnival making it the
second oldest carnival in England.
Cowes Carnival will burst into
life on Thursday August 18,
from 7.00pm to 9.00pm through
the town, while Ryde Carnival
Children's Procession is the
following day, paving the way for
the main and Illuminated Carnival

processions.
Ryde is reputed to be the oldest
carnival in England and will run
through the streets of the town on
Saturday August 20, featuring over
2,000 performers from carnival
clubs around the Island.
Other Carnival dates: Cowes
Illuminated, August 27. St.
Helens Main Carnival, August 29.
Sandown Illuminated Carnival,
August 31. Pan Carnival, August
26.

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