Mardi Gras Next Session 29th May 2019
All lead designers and any other team members who want to help at this stage are to meet at
- New Carnival Company Centre
13 Union Road
Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2ER - Time 18:15 to 20.15
The session is to present the costume and hand held feature for final approval.
We will also agree the required adjustments to the Komodo Dragon.
Materials already purchased need to be taken as the team will start to make elements of the costume and hand held feature.
Happy Nurses Day 2019
International Nurses Day was this year celebrated around the world on Sunday 12th May. The Royal College of Nursing invited healthcare professionals to organise their own get-togethers with colleagues.
The Equals IW Friendship Group joined an event at the St Mary's Hospital to celebrate Happy Nurse Day on the Friday before. Niviera attended the event and met the Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHP's and Community Services, St Mary's catering manager and many other wonderful Nurses and staff.
Tuti and Arum volunteered to make bala bala, spring rolls and pukis cake for the occasion. Obviously these delicious Indonesian snacks were gone in no time. Thanks to Arum and Tuti.
Mardi Gras 2019 Update
The Equals IW Mardi Gras team is currently numbers 20 this year with female, male and children taking part. If you want to join the team please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.
Base Costume
All team members are now required to purchase the following and wear it on the day.
- Footwear: White trainers, or any type of white flat footwear
- Lower Body: White long shorts or white slim line trousers or white tracksuit bottoms or white jogging bottoms or white leggings
- Upper Body: White short or long sleeved T-shirt
Costume Design
Each team member in the parade will be holding something in their hand to wave in the air to attract the eyes of the crowd. We will be re-using the Komodo Dragon from last year as he has survived the rain but needs some tender care.
We are now looking for Lead Designers to work with Sandra
- Four people to lead on the main costume design
- Two people to lead on the design of a hand held item
- Two people to lead the Komodo Dragon re-design
One design from the last meeting has a style and colours representing woodlands, ponds and wildlife to match our Bouldnor Forest theme. The lead costume team designers may include a backpack in the costume.
Mardi Gras 2018
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is a wonderful themed parade and was held this year on Saturday 30th June 2018.
This year the theme was Global Biospheres in support of the Island's bid to become a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Equals IW was represented through the work of the Equals IW Women’s Friendship Group with their entry themed around Komodo Island, Indonesia.
The very colourful parade brought joy to those watching in the streets of Ryde as the town basked in summer sunshine.
The event was a collaboration between Island-based event organisers, the New Carnival Company and the IW Area of Outstanding Beauty Unit.
Click or tap on an image to see the gallery
Friendship Groups
As part of the aim to support equality and diversity on the Isle of Wight, Equals offers friendship groups for women and men of ethnic backgrounds.
For a real cultural diversity experience have a look at the current programme of events then come and join our women's group.
The group provides a welcoming place to women of both minority and majority ethnic background. Come and make new friends, get advice and find support. You can take part in fun activities and maybe participate in some training. The ladies of the groups have taken part in
- Carnivals and arts parade
- The Kite Festival
- Cultural and Diversity Events
- Art and Craft fun Activities
- Information Technology Training
- Food Hygiene Training
- Cooking Courses at the Isle of Wight College
- Culture Kitchen
- Back to Work Training
- Private Swimming Sessions
Our men's group is currently starting up with meetings in Newport.
So why not pop along to one of our groups and see what we are up to, we would love to meet you.
To find out more please contact Equals.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.