The New Carnival Company is working closely with other heritage and outdoor organisations within the East Wight Landscape Partnership ‘Down to the Coast’ project to offer an exciting environmental family friendly festival all along the riverbank on Monday May 1st from 11.00 – 4.00.

The riverbank in question is a two-mile stretch of the Eastern Yar that runs alongside the NR23 cycleway between Pedallers Café at Langbridge (Newchuch) and the Waterworks at Sandown. The route is home to an abundance of diverse plants and wildlife, social history, rich archaeological finds, woodland and marsh nature reserves all of which are being celebrated on the day by many arts and environmental organisations and supported by the local communities, businesses and schools.

The event is the culmination of a three month programme of creative arts workshops, oral history gathering and expert led site visits. School and community groups have created temporary art installations and informative interpretation boards. As well as environmental and creative activities including face painting, garland making, spinning and weaving and guided walks there are a wide range of flash mob performances including Morris and Maypole dancing, roving acoustic musicians and storytelling.To ensure everyone has the stamina to take part in all these activities refreshments will be on sale at Pedallers, The Old School Hall in Alverstone and the Community Orchard off Golf Links Road.

Organisations taking part on the day include Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust, Branstone Farm, Time Taxi, Island Rivers, Gift to Nature, the Ramblers Association and the IW Area of Outstanding natural Beauty. Detailed maps and programmes can be picked up from the Gas Light Café at Sandown Station and Pedallers at Newchurch or downloaded from www.thenewcarnivalcompany.com