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Isle of Wight Events
Below is a list of Isle of Wight events for 2010. Whatever your interests, there is always plenty of things to do for all ages, including music festivals, carnivals, sailing regattas and beer festivals. The Isle of Wight is not just a holiday destination for the spring and summer, try a visit in the autumn and winter too - you will not be disappointed. Every year, the events on the Island get better and better and bigger and bigger, so read on to find out what Isle of Wight events are scheduled for 2010.
Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
MARCH 2010
Sat 20 March
Spring Blues 2010 with Big Joe Louis and his Blues Kings
Award winning UK bluesman, Big Joe Louis will be headlining the sixth annual Spring Blues concert, to be held at Ventnor Winter Gardens on Saturday 20th March from 7.30pm. Big Joe Louis was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and moved to the UK during the 1970s. The Blues Kings were formed 18 years ago and have taken their special kind of real down-home Blues to venues the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland and with great success in virtually every country in Western Europe and Scandinavia. 1998 and 1999 brought two invitations to play in the USA, leading to exceptional reviews. Big Joe Louis and His Blues Kings have recorded radio and TV sessions worldwide and the last 2 years have seen trips to South Africa, Poland, Finland, France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Egypt as well as two visits to the Caribbean for the Mustique Blues Festival. In autumn 1995, the band completed their third studio album with guests including (ex-Muddy Waters/Magic Slim guitarist) John Primer. The band has also recorded with Mississippi Delta Blues legend David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Van Morrison and Jools Holland. For two years from the beginning of 2000, Big Joe Louis was the singer with the legendary UK Rhythm & Blues band the Big Town Playboys.
British Blues Awards:
Best Male Vocalist 1993, 1994.
Nominations:
Best Male Vocalist 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001
Best Guitarist 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Best Band 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
“The UK’s premier Blues outfit - the most powerful and authentic sounding blues album released by a home produced band in twenty years” - Blues & Rhythm
"They proved that they are the prime interpreters of classic Chicago-style blues this side of the Atlantic." - Juke Blues
"Jamaican Blues guitar supremo... - " The Guardian
www.bigjoelouis.com
Support is from The Amen Boogie Blues Band. A local band who, while gigging the IOW pub circuit during the last 10 years, have built a reputation as one of the Island’s top blues acts performing blues standards by the likes of Muddy Waters, Son House, Elmore James, John Mayall and The Blues Band.
www.myspace.com/amenboogiebluesband
The evening will kick off with a set of acoustic blues from Damien Paul, performing songs from his new album ‘Moving Along’.
www.damien-paul.com
Tickets, priced £12advance / £14 on the door, from Ventnor Winter Gardens box office: 01983 857581 and Waterstone’s bookshop Newport: 01983 527927
Sun 28 - 29 March
Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry
The Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry is a series of amateur horse races over cross country, post and rail and natural hedges. The event takes place at West Ashey Farm, near Ryde. The course can be reached by car or by steam train from Havenstreet Station. A great family day out - well behaved dogs welcome on leads. Visit www.iw-scurry.co.uk for details.
APRIL 2010
Sun 4 April
Easter Egg Trail at Mottistone Manor Garden
11am - 4pm at Mottistone Manor Garden. Crack the clues around the garden to get a chocolate egg. Event supported by Cadbury.
Mon 5 April
Easter Egg Trail at The Needles Old Battery
10.30am - 4pm at The Needles Old Battery, Alum Bay. Crack the clues around the Battery to get a chocolate egg. Event supported by Cadbury. Please note there is no vehicular access to the Needles headland although the Southern Vectis Needles Tour Bus will be running. For disabled arrangements phone 01983 754772.
MAY 2010
Fri 7 - Sun 9 May
RIBEX 2010
Now in its 11th year, the Suzuki sponsored, RIBEX 2010 will once again be returning to Cowes Yacht Haven. The show traditionally features over 80 boats afloat in the event marina ready for public sea trial, plus a whole tented village of special exhibits, food outlets and interactive displays. This year (on Saturday), for the first time, there is an open air public concert. Intrepid explorer, TV personality and ex Bembridge resident Bear Grylls will open this year’s event. Website: www.ribexhibitions.co.uk
Sat 8 - Sun 23 May
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival has been held on the Island every May since 1999 and is the largest walking festival in the UK. It is an extremely popular event and attracts huge numbers from all over the world. The festival offers more than 100 guided walks that cater for all ages and abilities. Included in the festival is "Walk the Wight", a long distance sponsored walk, with proceeds going to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. For full details of all walks, visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
Sun 16 May
Walk The Wight
Part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is Walk The Wight - a sponsored walk to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, which cares for terminally ill patients on the Island. This wonderful annual event gives participants of all ages a unique opportunity to walk across some of the Island’s most stunning countryside. The most famous part of Walk The Wight is the main route, which goes from Bembridge on the eastern corner of the Island, to Alum Bay on the western point. In addition to taking walkers through some of the most scenic footpaths on the Isle of Wight such as the Tennyson Trail, the walk also goes across private land, which is not open to walkers at any other time. To really enjoy Walk The Wight, you need to be fit enough to comfortably manage your chosen route, particularly if you have decided to tackle all or even half of the main walk, as it includes many hills. Even regular walkers might want to do a bit of training beforehand, as 13 or 26 miles is a long way over such varied terrain. For more information, visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
JUNE 2010
Fri 4 - Sun 6 June
Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival
Three days of free entertainment, craft stalls, live music and much more. The Old Gaffers, so called because of the traditional gaff rig, travel from all over the country to participate in these wonderful festivities held in the ancient town of Yarmouth. Website: www.yarmoutholdgaffersfestival.co.uk
Fri 11 - Sun 13 June
Isle of Wight Festival
Major UK music festival held over three days at Seaclose Park in Newport. The 2010 line-up includes: Sir Paul McCartney, The Strokes, Jay-Z, Pink, Blondie, James, Shakespear´s Sister, Calvin Harris, Doves, Spandau Ballet, Vampire Weekend, Paloma Faith, Orbital, The Saturdays, Squeeze, Ocean Colour Scene, Friendly Fires and many more. 70s glam rock star Suzi Quatro will be the main attraction on Ladies´ Night in the Big Top on Friday. Website: www.isleofwightfestival.com
Sat 19 June
Round The Island Race (TBC)
JPMorgan Asset Management Round The Island Race is the largest and most famous yachting race in the world. The race starts and finishes at Cowes and covers a 50 mile course around the Isle of Wight. Some of the biggest names in the sailing world compete with weekend sailors and family crews in this annual yachting extravaganza. Website: www.roundtheisland.org.uk
Sat 26 June
Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day at Ryde North Walk, Appley Park and the beach. Please contact John Taylor for more information on 01983 562330 or cgjtaylor@live.co.uk.
JULY 2010
Sat 31 July - Sat 7 August
Cowes Week
Cowes Week is probably the most well known of all Isle of Wight events, with around 1000 boats and 8500 competitors taking part in this world famous sailing regatta. With its exciting racing schedule and superb shore side activities, Cowes Week offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display on Friday (Aug 6th) starting at 9.30pm. Website: www.cowesweek.co.uk
AUGUST 2010
Wed 4 August
Shanklin Main Carnival
Join in the carnival celebrations throughout Shanklin.
Sat 7 August
Shanklin Illuminated Carnival
Sat 7 - Sun 8 August
A Flavour Of The 1940s
Join Harry and Edna from the Home Front Friends for a flavour of life in the 1940s set around the Needles Old Battery - the fascinating 19th-century cliff-top fort originally built to guard against the threat of French invasion. Talks and demonstrations at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. The Battery is open as usual from 10.30am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). For disabled access please phone 01983 754772.
Wed 11 August
Ventnor Main Carnival
Join in the carnival celebrations throughout Ventnor. Website: www.ventnorcarnival.org.uk
Sat 14 August
Ventnor Illuminated Carnival
9pm - 11pm.
Sat 14 - Sun 15 August
The Garlic Festival
The Garlic Festival is held at Newchurch Showground, next to the Fighting Cocks pub at Arreton on the Newport to Sandown road. As well as the world famous Isle of Wight garlic, the very best of Island produce is also showcased, with over 300 stalls selling food and a diverse range of arts and crafts, plus live music. Website: www.garlic-festival.co.uk
Wed 18 August
Cowes Carnival
Join in the carnival celebrations throughout Cowes. Website: www.cowescarnival.co.uk
Sat 21 August
Ryde Carnival
The highlight of the carnival season featuring over 2000 performers from carnival clubs around the Isle of Wight. Website: www.rydecarnival.co.uk
Wed 25 August
Sandown Illuminated Carnival
DATE TBC
Ventnor Cricket Club v. Lashings World XI
Ventnor Cricket Club are anticipating another action packed and entertaining afternoon when they host the cricketing superstars of the Lashings World XI. The world’s most famous club cricket team, full of international players, are visiting Steephill for a seventh successive season and are sure to attract another bumper crowd to the unique and atmospheric Ventnor bowl.
Fri 27 - Sun 29 August
Cowes Powerboat Festival
Featuring the famous 180-nautical mile Cowes-Torquay-Cowes non-stop powerboat race on Sunday 29th. There will also be many other classes of powerboat taking part in races on the Solent during the weekend, including the Cowes Classic. Website: www.britishpowerboatracingcub.co.uk
Fri 27 - Mon 30 August
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally
Held at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde, this is widely recognised as the biggest scooter event in the world. A fun-packed weekend for the scooter enthusiast culminating with a round the Island ride-out, this is an event that just has to be attended by every self-respecting scooterist. For more information visit: www.vfmscoot.co.uk
Sat 28 August
Cowes Illuminated Carnival
Mon 30 August
St Helens Main Carnival
Join in the carnival fun throughout celebrations.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Thu 9 - Sun 12 September
Bestival
Sunday Best´s Bestival is held at Robin Hill Country Park on the outskirts of Newport and is regularly voted the "Best Medium Sized Festival" at the UK Music Festival Awards. There will be an abundance of top acts appearing this year, including The XX, Fever Ray, Plastikman and many others, plus the cream of local Island talent. Website: www.bestival.net
Thu 16 - Sun 19 September
Little Britain Challenge Cup
The Little Britain Challenge Cup is the largest corporate yachting regatta in Europe, as well as the biggest UK gathering of senior figureheads from the construction and property industry. The regatta is held at Cowes and is one of the industry´s top social sporting events of the year. Website: www.littlebritain.co.uk
Sat 18 - Sun 19 September
Isle of Wight International Charity Classic Car Show
This fantastic two-day event is now in its ninth year and promises to be the biggest and best yet. Hundreds of British and foreign vintage, classic, custom, retro and “oddball” cars and motorcycles are expected to attend from all over the UK. All proceeds will go to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Sat 18 - Sun 26 September
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
Every year the Island hosts the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, which features several different cycling events for all abilities and disciplines. Races include an on-road 70 mile round the Island race known as Cycle the Wight and Sink or Swim, where home made pedal powered craft attempt to cross the River Medina! For the more resilient cyclist, the three, seven and 14 hills challenges known as "The Hills Killer" are a real test of stamina. For full details, visit: www.sunseaandcycling.com
OCTOBER 2010
Fri 22 - Mon 25 October
Autumn Walking Weekend
Visit: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2010
Fri 5 November
Sandown Lantern Parade
A wonderful carnival parade around the town led by the Sandown Carnival queens, featuring music, floats, magnificent costumes and lanterns all lit with thousands of lights, finishing with music and a spectacular firework display. Website: www.sandowncarnival.com
DECEMBER 2010
Sun 5 December
Ryde Lantern Parade & Festive Fun Day
10am - 7pm. A range of activities throughout the town including Morris dancers, African drummers, stilt walkers, jugglers, brass bands, bell ringers, choirs and Father Christmas in his Grotto. The day will end with a fantastic lantern parade and firework display.
Sat 18 December
Cowes Christmas Carnival
Featuring Husky dogs racing through the High Street. Visit: www.cowescarnival.co.uk for full details.
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