Isle Of Wight Tourist Guide

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Isle of Wight Events

Below is a list of Isle of Wight events for 2009. 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 2009.

MARCH 2009

Sat 21 Mar
Spring Blues 2009 with Errol Linton´s Blues Vibe

One of the UK’s leading bluesmen, Errol Linton will be headlining the fifth annual Spring Blues concert, to be held at Ventnor Winter Gardens. Three times winner of Blues Harp Player of the year, Errol Linton and band The Blues Vibe, play eclectic British blues, but with a nod to his Caribbean heritage. If you like to boogie, this band is a must! Starts 7.30pm. Visit: www.myspace.com/errollinton
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. Visit: www.myspace.com/amenboogiebluesband
Tickets: £12 advance / £14 on the door - available from Ventnor Winter Gardens box office. Tel: 01983 857581

Sun 29 March
Isle of Wight Grand National and Ashey Scurry

Grand National & 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 first of four races is at 12 noon and 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. Admission: Adults £4, under 12s free.

APRIL 2009

Fri 10 - Sun 12 April
Royal Ocean Racing Club Easter Regatta

Sailing event at Cowes Yacht Haven.

Sun 12 April
Easter Egg Trail

Easter Egg Trail

11am at Mottistone Manor Garden. Crack the clues around the garden to get a chocolate egg. Event supported by Cadbury. The garden is open until 5pm with last admission at 4.30pm but arrive earlier to allow yourself time to solve the clues.

Mon 13 April
Easter Egg Trail

10.30am at The Needles Old Battery, Alum Bay. Crack the clues around the Battery to get a chocolate egg. Event supported by Cadbury. The Battery is open until 5pm with last admission at 4.30pm but arrive earlier to allow yourself time to solve the clues. 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 2009

Sat 2 - Mon 4 May
Mega Wheels & Classic Car Show

Taking place at the Garlic Festival site in Newchurch, this popular event features cars, lorries, buses, bikes, stunt show, bar and great food & drink.

Fri 8 - Sun 10 May
Ribex 2009

Ribex is held at Cowes Yacht Haven and is the only boat show in the world that is dedicated exclusively to rigid inflatable boats. Website: www.ribexhibitions.co.uk

Sat 9 - Sun 24 May
Isle of Wight Walking Festival

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 (see below). For full details of all walks, visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Wed 13 May
Flog It at Cowes Yacht Haven

The popular BBC TV programme, Flog It is coming to the Isle of Wight! Come and meet Paul Martin and have your antiques and collectables valued by the experts. 9.30am - 4.00pm at Cowes Yacht Haven.

Sun 17 May
Walk The Wight

Walk the Wight

Walk The Wight is 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 0r 26 miles is a long way over such varied terrain. For more information, visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Fri 29 - Sun 31 May
Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival

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

JUNE 2009

Fri 12 - Sun 14 June
Isle of Wight Festival

Isle of Wight Festival

Major UK music festival held over three days at Seaclose Park in Newport. The 2009 line-up includes: The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Simple Minds, Neil Young, Razorlight, The Charlatans, The Human League, Ultravox, The Rifles, The View, White Lies, Maximo Park, Basement Jaxx, Pendulum, McFly, Will Young, Paulo Nutuni, Arno Carstens, The Zombies, Pixies, The Ting Tings, Iglu & Hartly, Sneaky Sound System, The Pigeon Detectives, The Script, Judy Collins and Sharon Corr, plus a very special "Girls´ Night Out" featuring Bananarama, Ladyhawke, Alesha Dixon, Noisettes, Beverley Knight, Eddi Reader and Pixie Lott. Website: www.isleofwightfestival.com

Sat 13 June
The Red Arrows at the Isle of Wight Festival

The world famous RAF aerobatic display team The Red Arrows will be performing their spectacular flying skills above the IOW Festival site at Newport. Start time to be confirmed.

Sat 20 June
Round The Island Race

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

AUGUST 2009

Sat 1 - Sun 2 Aug
Anastacia & Simply Red at Osborne House

Solo Promotions present this spectacular two-night concert staged at Osborne House in East Cowes. Queen Victoria’s former holiday residence will play host to female superstar Anastacia on Saturday night and soul legends Simply Red on Sunday. Support acts include the all-girl electric string quartet Escala, who made the final in “Britain’s Got Talent” 2008 and 2007 “X-Factor” winner Leon Jackson. For ticket information, visit www.ticketzone.co.uk or phone 08705 321321.

Sat 1 - Sat 8 Aug
Cowes Week

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 (7th) starting at 9.30pm. Website: www.cowesweek.co.uk

Fri 7 Aug
The Red Arrows at Cowes Week

Don´t miss the spectacular flying diplay 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 starting at 7.30pm. Before that at 6.00pm, there will be a formation fly-past by the ex-Red Arrows Gnat and the Sea Vixen, followed by a 10 minute display by the Sea Vixen.

Sat 15 - Sun 16 Aug
The Garlic Festival

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. Live music acts include The Wurzels, performing their number 1 hits and more, plus The Apple Beatles, capturing the look and sound of the fab four! Both are supported by some of the best local bands. There’s also a huge beer tent, cricket with the ECB, football, The Army, vintage and classic vehicles, tractors, buses and a major funfair featuring rides making their first visit to the Island. 2009 promises to be the best ever Garlic Festival. Don’t miss Titan The Robot - his appearance last year was the most talked about event on the Isle of Wight. Adults: £7.50, Seniors: £6.50, Children: £4.00. Website:www.garlic-festival.co.uk

Sat 22 Aug
Wightfest 2009

A charity event in aid of Sue Ryder Care and Multiple Sclerosis (IOW Branch) at the IOW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. IOW Radio are broadcasting live from the event between 2pm and 6pm, plus live music with a line-up of nine top Island bands including The Chancers, Gweido, The Kurves and Papa Do Plenty. Other activities include face painting, a magician, barbeque and ice cream van - more to be added nearer the date. Beer and food available all day. Plenty of parking available. If you´re coming from the mainland, it´s a mile up the road from the Red Jet terminal in Cowes. Buses go past the site, there are usually taxis available (or we have numbers we could pass on for operators supporting this event), or it´s a refreshing walk on a nice day! If you are looking to buy tickets, our preferred payment method is by a cheque made payable to ´Charity Challenge´. Look forward to hearing from you! Please get in touch via the contacts listed below to reserve your passes. Numbers are limited, so it will be those that are upfront with the cash that get in first!! Make sure you pay early and don´t miss out. Any businesses interested in sponsoring (and getting great advertising!!) this event please get in touch via the contacts listed below.

Contact Roger 01983 202623 or [email protected]
Contact Kev 01983 202712 or [email protected]

Sun 23 Aug
Ventnor Cricket Club v. Lashings World XI

Ventnor Cricket Club

Ventnor Cricket Club are anticipating another action packed and entertaining afternoon when they host the cricketing superstars of the Lashings World XI, with the match starting at 2.30pm. The world’s most famous club cricket team, full of international players, are visiting Steephill for a sixth successive season and are sure to attract another bumper crowd to the unique and atmospheric Ventnor bowl. Once again, the Club look forward to hearing from individuals and businesses who would like to book a table in our large marquee at the sea end of the ground, providing a unique and uninterrupted view of the action. For further information including prices, lunch menu and marquee entertainment, please contact Graeme Burnett on 07764 405023. Spectator (not marquee) tickets are now on sale at the clubhouse (tel 852506) or from Hose Rhodes and Dickson estate agents in Ventnor, priced at £7.00. Tickets cost £8.00 if purchased on the day. Tickets for under 15s cost £3.00 regardless of when they are bought. Lashings will not name their final eleven until nearer the day but will choose from the following: Richie Richardson, Alvin Kallicharran, Gordon Greenidge (West Indies), Rashid Latif, Mohammed Akram (Pakistan), Henry Olonga (Zimbabwe), Devon Malcolm, Graeme Hick, John Emburey (England), Ian Harvey, Jason Gillespie, Greg Blewett (Australia), Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan), Chris Harris (New Zealand).

Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug
Cowes Powerboat Festival

Cowes Powerboat Festival

This year’s famous 180-nautical mile Cowes-Torquay-Cowes non-stop powerboat race is scheduled to go straight across the notoriously challenging Lyme Bay, turning within the bay in Torquay, back around the Ore Stone Rock and back to Cowes. In addition, there will be many other classes of powerboat taking part in races on the Solent including the Cowes Classic - a challenging race to Poole, travelling twice round the bay and back to Cowes, a distance of around 70 miles.

Sat 29 - Mon 31 Aug
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

Sun 30 Aug
Summer Madness

The legendary ska & pop band Madness will be performing live at Carisbrooke Castle Fields, with special guests including Kid Creole and The Coconuts, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Gentleman´s Dub Club, plus DJ sets by Jerry Dammers from The Specials. For further information including booking details, visit: www.iowsummermadness.com

SEPTEMBER 2009

Fri 11 - Sun 13 Sept
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. Acts appearing this year include: Kraftwerk, Massive Attack, Lily Allen, Elbow, MGMT, Klaxons, Bat for Lashes, The Fleet Foxes, Florence & The Machine, Doves, Seasick Steve, Soulwax, Michael Nyman, The Beat, Squarepusher, Future Sound of London, Friendly Fires, Bjorn Again, Little Boots, 2manydjs and many more including the cream of local Island talent. Website: www.bestival.net

Sat 19 - Sun 20 Sept
Isle of Wight International Charity Classic Car Show

Saturday ~ at Newport Quay (vehicles on site and in place by 10.30am.)
Sunday ~ at Ryde Canoe Lake (vehicles on site and in place by 10.30am.)
This fantastic two-day event is now in its eighth year and promises to be the biggest and best yet. Held at two venues, there are hundreds of British and foreign vintage, classic, custom, retro and “oddball” cars and motorcycles expected to attend from all over the UK. All proceeds will go to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Sat 19 - Sun 27 Sept
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

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 2009

Fri 23 - Sun 25 Oct
V-Bay Festival 2009

Come on down to Ventnor for the V-Bay Festival and see why this vibrant holiday resort has become one of the south coast’s favourite destinations. At a time when most seaside towns are shutting up shop, Ventnor will be buzzing with three days of music, the arts, fine dining and family fun activities on the beautiful Blue Flag beach. Visit www.ventnorbay.co.uk for full details.

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