Merry & Bright Festival of Light 2025

Merry and Bright is our annual winter event in funded by Arts Council England and in partnership with local community artists and organisations, Ryde Town Council. Audiences are invited to visit Ryde after dusk to discover fantastic lantern creations and pop-up entertainment on a walking circuit of about one mile around the town.

Our unique event encourages spectators to visit the magical Lantern installations in Vernon Square and the Neon Garden St Thomas’s Rest Garden, enjoy (or take part in) the spectacular Lantern Parade. Some shops will be offering late night shopping opportunities, there will be a craft market in Royal Victoria Arcade and there will be seasonal refreshments available at a number of locations.