THE weather may have put the dampener on many Isle of Wight events in recent weeks, but not the Merry and Bright seasonal festival, held over two days.

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The event, hosted in Ryde, got underway on Friday, through to a joyous finale last night (Saturday) — a spectacular magical lantern parade, which featured the Polar Express train on its way to the North Pole.

Isle of Wight County Press: RAW Samba on the march.RAW Samba on the march. (Image: Pamela Parker)

Merry and Bright, co-presented by New Carnival and Ryde Town Council, is an annual event to get everyone in the community into the Christmas spirit.

This year — and very much a blessing with all the recent storms and bad weather — Merry and Bright introduced indoor venues for performances for 2023.

Talented Island performers included the likes of Mila Lake, a star of ITV’s The Voice; Jay Eatwell, from Channel 4’s The Piano; the Glow Circus Ariel hoop show; the Wyldfire fire show; conjuring tricks with Huxley Magic; vibrancy from VIVA Drumming, and festive tunes by Vectis Brass — plus much more.

Isle of Wight County Press: Insect sculptures.Insect sculptures. (Image: Pamela Parker)

Vernon Square Gardens was transformed into ‘Where the Land Meets the Sea’ static illuminations, while St Thomas Rest Gardens became the ‘Neon Garden’, where shadow play and UV light provided interactive family fun.

Santa was there too — kept busy in his grotto at The Island Photo Centre.

Ryde shops stayed open for late night shopping and the Royal Victoria Arcade hosted a craft market, which featured local produce and hand-made items.