Isle of Wight Event News 2013:
The Isle of Wight plays host to nearly one thousand festivals, carnivals, concerts and other events thoughout the year.
From music to Walking the Wight, Cycling, Sailing and Surfing, the Island promises a fantastic range of events to entertain visitors and residents throughout the year. The Isle of Wight Festival in June and Bestival in September with headline acts, sell out as soon as tickets are available.
The Island’s diverse landscape and coastline provides the setting for adrenalin-fuelled Extreme Sports and the ever-popular Walking Festival in May and October.
No matter what time of year it is, there are exciting events for young and old. One of the best things is the Islands location and opportunity for sailors to take advantage of its unique position. Round the Island Race visitors can find their sea legs and free try sailing taster sessions will be available during Cowes Week in August.
When the school holidays are in full swing, the Isle of Wight provides a bumper harvest of summer fun making it the perfect choice for families wanting a break.
Every weekend and throughout the school summer holidays, families can enjoy colourful carnival processions and outdoor music concerts and film screenings to make the most of balmy summer evenings. Plus on selected days throughout August, English Heritage hold living history events at Carisbrooke Castle and kids can take part in an inspired range of workshops at the Island’s Quay Arts centre.
The first week in August is also the time to get afloat as Cowes Week sets sail with an exciting programme of entertainment both on and off the water, while the annual Garlic Festival is another must do event for visitors of good taste and those looking for a good old summer knees up!
As the home of UK sailing favoured by Royals and celebrities alike, the Cowes Week regatta is the place to be and be seen this summer. Watch the racing from the shore while enjoying a relaxing drink, food, commentary and live music. Hitch a ride on a spectator boat, or just immerse yourself in the lively party atmosphere and the great shoreside entertainment held day and night, including the famous fireworks display, featuring a sensational Red Arrows display, on Friday 6 August www.cowesweek.co.uk.
Charles I Carisbrooke Castle. Image: Isle of Wight Photo Agency.
Carisbrooke Castle
Rogues & Villains is the first in series of themed Time Travellers events being staged every Tuesday and Wednesday at Carisbrooke Castle during the school holidays this August. Kids who have always fancied themselves as a hero or villain can learn from the greats. On 3 and 4 August a visit to Carisbrooke Castle will bring them face to face with Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham – and active types can try their hand at archery or try jousting. Later in the month families can step inside a world full of Saxons and Normans and witness soldiers preparing armour, see tradesmen working with wood and learn about traditional cooking methods. www.english.heritage.org.uk
Garlic Festival
If you’re looking for a great day out filled with fabulous food, great stage and arena entertainment and hundreds of stalls to look around then look no further than the world famous Isle of Wight Garlic Festival! Named as one of the UK’s best food festivals by The Times last year, visitors can sample some of the Island’s award-winning food as well as a range of garlic infused goodies, from garlic beer and garlic fudge to garlic ice cream and much more! Visit www.garlic-festival.co.uk for more information.
Osborne House Summer Concerts.
Osborne House, the three-storey royal seaside villa overlooking the Solent and probably the best known Victorian country House in Britain, will open to the public and play host to a two night concert. Visit www.osbornesummerconcerts.com
Carnival Island, throughout August
Expect fun and frivolity as colourful floats and marching bands parade around Island towns and villages, culminating in the last one of the season – the ultimate carnival at Ryde.
Ryde Carnival is reputed to be the oldest established carnival is England. The first true event was held in 1888 but the real origins extend a year further back to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee of 1887. These days, while still maintaining a distinct Island character, the flamboyantly dressed dancers, creative carnival floats and giant costumed characters are more akin to Rio than Ryde – and all for free!
Shanklin, Ventnor, Yarmouth, Cowes, Sandown, St Helens, Bembridge and Ryde Carnivals.
Summer School Classes & Workshops at Quay Arts, throughout August
Why not take this unique chance to do something relaxing and creative during the summer months, or make sure that school holidays for the youngsters are filled with inspired activities?
Summer School workshop gift vouchers also make an ideal birthday or anniversary present for friends and family, www.quayarts.org For information about other arts and crafts activities on the Island this summer, visit www.isleofwightarts.com
Island Pulse will continue to bring coverage of all events requested for advertising on our website. Visit Island Lifestyles 2020 for past, present and future coverage in our Isle of Wight Event Photo Galleries and Listings.
With community events taking place almost weekly at venues across the Island, if you would like your event added to the Island Pulse, please e-mail Click HERE: with the date, location and name of the event.
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