KNIGHTS in shining armour and an enormous, prepossessing lion occupied Island Riding Centre last Friday.
They arrived at the complex as part of a rehearsal ahead of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant this summer.
Islanders will make up the majority of more than two hundred people, heading up from the south coast to London, to perform at the event.
Around 120 will wear extravagant, animal-themed costumes, and some of those were on show at the riding centre off Staplers Road, as performers practised ahead of the big day.
The Island contingent is led by Ryde-based Shademakers, and will parade to the sounds of Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, on June 5.
The costumes were designed by artistic director, Paul McLaren, who is widely regarded as one of the best carnival artists in Europe.
Movement director, Joe Plumb, said: "Shademakers have been incredibly busy putting together the finishing touches for The Queen's Beasts, as part of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
"From a stampede of unicorns to dancing roses, giant swans to an enormous bull, this is going to be a spectacular event."
Among those present for one of a number of planned rehearsals was 20 unicorns, a lion, and a group of Scottish dancers.
Ahead of the pageant, the County Press spoke to five performers — five faces to look out for on the big day — to get an insight into what they are most excited and most nervous about.
Five Isle of Wight faces to look out for at The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Among them was 31-year-old Sian Hendy, of Shanklin, who is an assistant manager at Poundland.
Sian is most excited about getting to the site and enjoying the atmosphere and build-up.
She said she was hoping to see as much of the parade as possible.
She was most nervous about tripping over her own feet in front of The Queen.
Emma Dale, 39, is also from Shanklin, and teaches computer science at Priory School.
She said she was most excited about taking part in something loads of people were going to watch, and was excited about going to London.
Emma said she was looking forward to the buzz of the crowd on such a huge occasion, and told her family to keep their eyes on the television.
She is most nervous about messing up with so many people watching — getting too carried away and missing a vital cue.
Claire Cobb, 43, lives in East Cowes and is a teaching assistant at St George's School.
Claire is most excited about being part of a huge celebration for the Queen.
She said the Platinum Jubilee is a massive achievement and she is looking forward to seeing all the people watching and the other performers.
Claire revealed she is most nervous about tripping over her own costume, but is much more excited than worried.
Logan Haywood, 14, lives in Lake and attends Christ the King.
He is very excited about being able to perform in front of such a large crowd, as he has never done something on such a large scale before.
He said he was eager to visit London and meet the other performers, and anticipates an amazing experience.
Logan said he was much more excited than nervous, but was worried most about making a mistake on such a big occasion.
Wanda Samuel, 15, is from Cowes and schooled at Cowes Enterprise.
She said she was looking forward to sticking around to watch the other performers and the experience of going to London.
Wanda revealed she was most nervous about performing in front of such a big crowd, as it will be a lot bigger than she is used to.
While she has performed at the theatre, she has not done something on such a large scale before, but is very excited.
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