Celebrating equality and diversity on the Isle of Wight

Planning for the 2020 Mardi Gras Carnival event held in Ryde has started. Equals IW has been looking at the options being considered for the carnival theme.

First Choice

A theme based on the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival has been selected as the Equals IW first choice as it fits well with our organisation. The team enjoys the dance and music associated with this theme. Equals IW is exploring an idea with a Steel Pan Band through group members' London connections.

We would develop multi-coloured costumes that symbolise Trinidad and Tobago. Glittery, colourful and decorated with feathers and sequins including the colours of the National Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.

As part of the costumes we would create shoulder head-wear backpacks. Each backpack would have an interchangeable face disk to enable future use with a different theme. The interchangeable discs could show the wildlife of rain-forests, oceans, Caribbean wildlife and birds.

Recruitment of Team Members will open in January 2020.

The next Equals IW committee meeting is planned for January 2020 at a time and place to be announced.

Pageant

The Isle of Wight Beauty Pageant multicultural charity event took place recently in the lovely setting of the Lakeside Park Hotel in Wootton Bridge.

This yearly event was created by the Asian Group IW and the evening commenced with National Customs before showcasing an amazing range of National Costumes.

The evening continued with a lovely buffet meal, speeches, judging and the crowning of the winners.

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.

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