The Midsummer Mardi Gras, held in Ryde every last Saturday in June, is the New Carnival Company’s flagship event and showcases the very best of children and young people’s carnival experience through learning, creating and performance.

Formerly known as The Arts Parade (2003 to 2012) the procession takes inspiration from New Orleans Mardi Gras fused with Latin and Caribbean carnivals.

Our parade is led by the Bouef Gras (fattened bull) led by Rex, King of Carnival, to pay tribute to this heritage.

Each year a theme for the parade is chosen to complement the national curriculum and areas of study. For 2014 it will be Natural Geographic.

Parade assembles Ryde School Playing Fields, Queens Road, from 1.15pm, leaves 3pm

Route: Queens Road to Newport Street, High Street, Union Street, Esplanade. Finish at Eastern Esplanade gardens.

Cultural Music Stage & Carnival Showcase at Eastern Esplanade Gardens 12 noon to 7.pm. BBQ, wine, beer and soft drinks bar.