Ryde, home of the UK’s oldest carnival, is throwing its hat into the ring to become Town of Culture 2028.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced that Towns across the country can now apply to become the first UK Town of Culture.
Shademakers UK, the team behind Department – the new cultural space on Cross Street – are leading the bid and are inviting the community to get involved. A public community meeting will take place on 28 January at 5pm at Department, open to anyone interested in supporting and shaping the bid.
“As soon as this was announced a few months ago, we instantly said, ‘This is perfect for Ryde,’” said Sharon George, Creative Director at Shademakers UK. “We’re incredibly excited to bring the community together to create a bold, ambitious creative programme that truly represents the town.”
Ryde has long been recognised as the cultural capital of the Isle of Wight, with a vibrant programme of events, a thriving nightlife, and a strong pull for both tourists and local residents. The town is home to two Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations – Shademakers UK and New Carnival – alongside a rich calendar of cultural highlights including the historic Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, Harp Festival, Isle of Wight Chess Tournament, Mardi Gras, Isle of Wight Pride, and the Steampunk Festival along with many more!
Recent cultural developments further strengthen the bid, including the reopening of Appley Tower, new public murals at Appley, the work of Network Ryde, and a diverse museum offer ranging from the National Poo Museum (summer residency) and the Saucy Postcard Museum to the Bus Museum and Ryde’s much-loved library service.
“It’s Ryde’s time,” said Joe Plumb, Creative Programming Director, Shademakers UK. “A place with art at its heart. Let’s come together and back Ryde’s bid to be the Town of Culture. We would love to see as many people as possible come together to bounce ideas around and see what amazing things we can do in the town.”
As a major transport hub for the Island, with strong connections to schools, creative networks and cultural organisations, Ryde is uniquely positioned to deliver a Town of Culture programme that is ambitious, inclusive and rooted in its distinctive local story.
Community Meeting
Date: 28 January
Time: 5pm
Location: Department, Cross Street, Ryde
For more information or to RSVP, email info@department-ryde.org.