Ryde Carnival 2024

The sun shone brightly for the main carnival in Ryde on the Isle of Wight on 29th August 24. Many people were wearing brightly coloured costumes, and the streets were lined with spectators cheering on all the participants. Among them were a group of Ukrainians who live in Gosport and Fareham. They were dressed in the colours of the Ukrainian flag - yellow and blue - which was fitting because the sky was as blue as their flag and the sand as yellow.

The Ukrainian group, supported by GVA, Larysa, Elle and Jacky, and funded by Awards For All, had been making costumes and encouraging people to join them for the carnival over the last few weeks. Some of the Ukrainian participants had never been to a carnival and were unsure what to expect. They were proud to wear their national sunflower and the yellow and blue of their flag.

Some of the women felt guilty as they still had loved ones fighting for their homeland. Elle, our wellbeing support, told them, "It's okay to enjoy the day."

We were fortunate to have the support of Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries in getting everyone across the Solent. It was the first time this group had travelled to the island. We had extended an invitation to local Ukrainians who live on the island and they were excited to join them.

As we lined up for the parade, people were dancing, smiling, and singing. Although we didn't expect to win anything, we were thrilled to receive first prize, making the experience even better. Over 70 of us participated in the hour-long parade, and spectators cheered and waved as we passed by.

One of the participants sent a text afterwards, "I am deeply thankful, filled with love and incredible emotions that I have never experienced before. This is the brightest memory of my life!"