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Ryde Carnival Association (RCA) was set up in the 1920′s and has seen many changes and alterations to the style of carnival in Ryde and on the Isle of Wight.

As an association, the RCA’s function is to ensure that the Ryde Carnivals run safely and that everyone who enters the parades enjoys themselves. The production of a float is something that the members do for fun. Our association is about the community of Ryde and the Isle of Wight. For a number of years we have not had a Queen’s Float, but this year 2012 we entered the Queen of Queen’s and went back to having a Queen’s Float. In 2013 the Ryde Carnival is 125 years old on Saturday 17th August …WATCH THIS Space for our exciting program of events.

Carnival is a continually changing entity, and the Association strives to keep up with changes in society and attitudes towards one of the oldest forms of anarchy, where people could misbehave and take on a different persona. Carnival roots are stepped in pagan religious beliefs which were subsequently integrated into Christian belief systems.

Elected Officers

Elected members of the RCA are listed below. We welcome anyone who would like to join the association. To become an elected committee member anyone joining the Association must have been a member for 2 years, prior to election.

  • President – Gloria Minghella
  • Claire Kay – Chairman
  • Treasurer – Brian Treagus
  • Minutes Secretary – Steph Edwards
  • Collections Officer – Graham Pearce
  • Procession Officer – Brenda Livingstone
  • Traffic Officer – Mark Williams
  • Wardrobe – Helen Davenport
  • Technical Officer – Malcolm McCree
  • Chief Steward – Patrick McHugh

Our Ethos

“The aim of Ryde Carnival Association (RCA) is to safely and successfully organise carnivals in the Ryde area as a means to promote community arts development, inclusion and participation, as well as raising funds to support the above.”

The Objectives of RCA are to:-

  1. Run carnivals annually in Ryde
  2. Actively support other Island carnivals
  3. Raise money to support the Association’s aims and activities through collections at processions in Ryde and through other activities.
  4. Stage events and activities which either support or enhance the carnival processions, the Carnival Association, and or the local community.
  5. Support community projects and training initiatives which develop or enhance Ryde Carnival.

The RCA now have a written Code of conduct which applies to all committee members, supporters and carnival troupe members.

To download a copy of our Code of Conduct please follow this link

Child Protection Policy Statement

Ryde Carnival Association (RCA) has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in its clubs and activities from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account. The RCA will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in Ryde carnival Association through adherence to the child protection guidelines that it has adopted.

A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children Act 1989).

Policy Aims
The aim of the RCA Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:

  1. Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Ryde Carnival Association.
  2. Allow all members/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.

 Download our Child Protection Policy Statement