The Ryde Illuminated Carnival, 30 August 2025, held on the Isle of Wight, once again lit up the streets with dazzling lights, music, and cultural showcases. Known as one of the UK’s most spectacular and historic carnivals, it draws performers and audiences from across the country. Although the first Ryde Carnival was held in 1888, it was mainly as a result of the highly successful and hugely popular event of the previous year, marking the Queen’s Jubilee and which she herself attended.
This year, the celebration was made even brighter as Creative Hearts United, together with the Yorkshire Filipino Group (YFG) and Miss Joeace Kristine Ang-Siao, were invited to take part in the procession as part of the Beach of Dreams project by Equals IW through Asian Global UK. The combined efforts of all the contingents brought a vibrant Filipino flair to the parade — and the entire delegation proudly celebrated winning 1st prize in the parade competition.
This is the second time the team has won awards at this historic carnival. In 2023, they secured the Jacob Challenge Cup for Best Floral Costume and the Ryde Carnival Spirit of the Carnival Award. This achievement reinforces their reputation as champions of creativity, cultural pride, and community spirit.
A Filipino Showcase at Ryde Illuminated Carnival 2025
Creative Hearts United is a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting and preserving Philippine art and culture. Through their management of the Yorkshire Filipino Group Cultural Dance Troupe, they run annual spring workshops where dancers rehearse and reimagine traditional Philippine folk dances. These performances blend tradition with innovation, creating unforgettable cultural experiences at festivals across the UK.
The YFG Cultural Dance Troupe, made up of members from Leeds, West Yorkshire, and surrounding areas, has performed at events including the Bradford Barrio Fiesta, the London Barrio Fiesta, the Cheshire East Barrio Fiesta, and now, the Isle of Wight’s Ryde Illuminated Carnival 2025.
Beauty Queens and Dancers
In 2025, Creative Hearts United organised a delegation of 14 performers from Leeds and Harrogate. The contingents comprised both beauty queens representing Asian Global UK and members of the YFG Cultural Dance Troupe. Together, they brought a dynamic mix of pageantry, performance, and cultural storytelling to the Isle of Wight carnival.
Their participation supported Equals IW and the Asian Global UK competition entry, adding energy, diversity, and cultural pride to the parade. The group’s vibrant display not only captivated audiences but also secured them the 1st place award in the carnival competition for the second time.
Adding further pride to the Filipino community, Miss Joeace Kristine Ang-Siao represented Yorkshire at the Ms Asian Global UK beauty pageant, highlighting the grace and strength of Filipino heritage on a national platform.
The Spirit of the Pintados at the Isle of Wight Carnival
One of the standout highlights of the troupe’s 2025 performance was their introduction of the Pintados tradition. Dancers showcased colourful costumes inspired by the tattooed warriors of the Visayas region in the Philippines—historically known as the “painted ones” by Spanish colonisers.
The Pintados Festival in the Philippines celebrates this heritage through body paint, vibrant costumes, music, and dance, retelling ancient stories of bravery and tradition. By bringing this performance to the Ryde Illuminated Carnival, the YFG troupe gave audiences a powerful glimpse into the richness of Philippine history and culture.
Building Bridges Through Culture
For Creative Hearts United, participation in events like the Ryde Illuminated Carnival is about much more than performance. It is about building bridges between cultures, empowering young people, and ensuring that Filipino traditions thrive in the UK.
Winning 1st prize for the second time reinforces the message that cultural pride, creativity, and community spirit can inspire and unite people across backgrounds and generations.
As the lights dimmed on another successful Isle of Wight carnival, the Filipino community left a lasting mark — not only in their stunning costumes and lively dances but also in the hearts of everyone who witnessed the spectacle.
