Isle Of Wight Tourist Guide

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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

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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. 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. The evening will kick off with a set of acoustic blues from Damien Paul, performing songs from his new album ‘Moving Along’.

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.

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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.

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MAY 2010

Sat 1 - Mon 3 May
Spring Real Ale Festival at Havenstreet Station
Relax at Havenstreet Station with a pint of your favourite tipple as you watch the trains go by! The fifth Spring Real Ale Festival features beers sourced from brewers on the Isle of Wight and from micro breweries in Wales and the western English border counties. Admission to the Festival is free and is open from 11am till 10pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 11am till 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. On all three days, you can also enjoy a display from Haven Falconry.

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

Sat 22 May
Jazz On The Meadow



Award-winning jazz legend Courtney Pine is headlining the very first Jazz On The Meadow set in the beautiful surroundings of Ventnor Botanic Garden. Other acts appearing at this inaugural music event include Omar Puente, The Ric Harris Trio, Keri Highland, Benedict Branca, plus the Island’s very own jazz diva, Edana Minghella. Tickets: £30 + booking fee from www.seetickets.com. Also available from Wightlink - in person from Isle of Wight Ticket Offices or call 0871 376 1000. Red Funnel - call 0844 844 9988 or visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/jazzmeadow. In person from Isle of Wight Tourist Information Centres and Ventnor Botanic Garden. Doors open 2pm.

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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

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.

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JULY 2010

Sat 31 July
Osborne House Summer Concert featuring Will Young and Special Guests



2002 Pop Idol winner and the most successful British male solo artist of the 2000s, Will Young will entertain the crowds on Saturday night at this year´s Osborne House Summer Concerts. One of the UK´s most exciting new female talents Charley Macauley will be supporting. Visit www.osbornesummerconcerts.com for full details including ticket info.

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

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AUGUST 2010

Sun 1 Aug
Shanklin Regatta

Sun 1 Aug
The Greatest 80s Party Night featuring Bananarama and Special Guests



Top pop duo Bananarama will close the Osborne House Summer Concerts weekend in their own inimitable style. With guest acts including Rick Astley, ABC, Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones and Go West, this is a “not to be missed” event for 80s pop fans everywhere. Visit www.osbornesummerconcerts.com for full details including ticket info.

Wed 4 August
Shanklin Main Carnival
Join in the carnival celebrations throughout Shanklin.

Fri 6 Aug
The Red Arrows at Cowes Week



Don´t miss the spectacular flying display by the world famous Royal Air Force aerobatic team. The Red Arrows will be performing their unique skills over the Solent during this year´s Cowes Week, commencing at 7pm. CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

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

Sun 22 August
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 this year playing Ventnor CC at Newclose County Cricket Ground and are sure to attract a bumper crowd.

Wed 25 August
Sandown Illuminated Carnival

Wed 25 - Sun 29 August
The British Powerboat Festival

The British Powerboat Festival 2010 is being held at Cowes, with the event celebrating the 50th running of a Powerboat Race from Cowes. With 50 craft expected, it is the largest assembly of powerboats anywhere in the world this year. Some of the world’s top UIM Marathon Class racing boats will be competing in The Cowes 100 and the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes races. Visit www.cowes2010.co.uk for a full timetable of events.

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

Sun 29 August
Summer Madness 2010

Ex Jam front man, Paul Weller will be headlining this year’s Summer Madness at Carisbrooke Castle Fields, near Newport. Now in its second year, Summer Madness is already earning a reputation for its diverse line-up and chilled-out vibe. Also appearing with ’The Modfather’ will be The Coral, The Brand New Heavies, Imelda May, Twisted Wheel and top local band The Bees. For full details including ticket information visit: www.iowsummermadness.com

Mon 30 August
St Helens Main Carnival
Join in the carnival fun throughout the celebrations.

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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 Prodigy, Dizzee Rascal, Flaming Lips, Roxy Music, Chic (featuring Nile Rodgers), Marc Almond, The XX, Fever Ray, Heaven 17, Plastikman, The Wailers, Echo & The Bunnymen 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

Sat 25 - Sun 26 September
Annual Sweetcorn Fayre
Held at Arreton Old Village, the Annual Sweetcorn Fayre is a celebration of local food and drink and includes specially themed food at the Dairyman´s Daughter pub at Arreton Barns. The great line-up of attractions makes it a weekend not to be missed.

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OCTOBER 2010

Fri 22 - Mon 25 October
Autumn Walking Weekend
Visit: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

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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

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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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