THE HERON AND THE ROBIN FLY TOGETHER
The Robin Hill Adventure Park has announced its exciting new partnership with Alex Kimber, Executive Chef and Owner of Heron Food IOW. Alex has been on the Isle of Wight for the last five years building The Heron restaurants in Ryde and Cowes, and more recently, The Braii at Nunwell Farm. The Heron at Robin Hill is to be a seated restaurant with an open plan kitchen and bar with inside/outside dining options. Located at the very top of the park, diners will enjoy panoramic views sweeping down across the valley and up to Brading Downs. Focusing on farm to fork ethical dining,
Festival of Running 2025
Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world-famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location. This Festival has become one of the biggest sporting events on the Island and a favourite of runners from all over the South of England. Over a week, athletes of all levels can choose from circular cross-country routes, in the breath-taking west of the Island. The programme includes: – Tapnell 10k – A scenic summer evening 10k from Freshwater village into the rural countryside and through the fields of our Festival sponsor Tapnell Farm, returning to Freshwater through National Trust and nature
Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges Set To Headline Sunset Sessions At Iconic Blackgang Chine
After a spectacular summer of music last year, Blackgang Chine is thrilled to announce the return of its electrifying Sunset Sessions for 2025. Saturday, 7th June, will see none other than Charlie Hedges, one of the UK’s most dynamic and celebrated DJs, as the headline act. Charlie, the host of BBC Radio 1’s Dance Anthems, steaked her position in the industry when she hosted the the UK’s #1 breakfast show on Kiss FM, and has since continued to bring unparalleled energy and passion to the decks, captivating audiences across the globe. Having performed at world-renowned events and venues such as Amnesia
Half Term fun with Bouncy Barn
Bounce your way out of winter with Bouncy Barn at Tapnell Farm Park this February half term, from Monday 17th – Friday 21st February. Enjoy all-weather, high-energy fun with a huge range of inflatable activities for all ages. Expect bouncy castles, bouncy slides, helter skelter, drop slides and toddler bouncy castles! No matter the weather, we will have you bouncing with joy! Bouncy Barn sessions will last 30 minutes and take place between 11am – 4pm. There is also a special SEN session at 10.15am each day, with reduced capacity and no music. Bouncy Barn is included in the Farm Park admission and entry is
February’s Finest: Top Picks for the Month
The Isle of Wight is a charming destination offering a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor activities. Whether you're an adventurer, history buff, or beach lover, there's something for everyone. Here are the top things to do on the Isle of Wight: Visit Osborne House Location: East Cowes Why visit: This former royal residence was once the summer home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Osborne House offers endless stunning grounds and impressive interiors provide a fascinating glimpse into royal life, with beautiful gardens and views over the Solent. Explore The Needles Location: West Wight Why visit: The iconic white chalk stacks rising from the sea are a must-see. Take a
41 Talented Islanders selected for Red Funnel sponsorship
Red Funnel is proud to announce a new cohort of sponsored Island residents, introducing 15 ‘Island Ambassadors’ and 12 ‘Supported Teams’ – each selected to represent Red Funnel and the Isle of Wight as they compete and perform off Island in 2025. Following the opening of applications in November, the company received over 100 requests to join the sponsorship programme. Successful applicants benefit from travel support to the mainland, helping them to take their talent from local to national, international or even global status. Speaking on the comprehensive decision process, Red Funnel CEO, Fran Collins, said: “It’s inspiring to have received so many
Laser Tag Barn Battle
Are you ready to dodge, dive and tag your way to victory? Join us at Tapnell Farm Park on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th January for an action-packed showdown in our barn-turned-laser tag arena! Team up with fellow players to battle it out and take control of the glowing box, outsmarting the opposing team. With obstacles, cover and 20 minute rounds, it’s all about strategy, speed and fun! Sessions must be pre-booked online to guarantee a place, and Tapnell Farm Park admission applies (entry free for Winter Season Pass holders). Special SEN sessions also available at 10.30am on each day, with reduced
WEDDING SHOWCASE
On Sunday 23rd February 2025, the team at award-winning East Afton Farmhouse, will be hosting their biggest Wedding Showcase with over 80 suppliers exhibiting. The event is supported by Coast & Country Marquees and Stage Gear Rentals. Entry is free and all couples planning a wedding are welcome to attend. Doors will open at 11am – 4pm and couples, along with family and friends, will have the opportunity to get a taste of all that the venue has to offer. Explore the beautiful 18th century Farmhouse, its three stunning event barns and surrounding grounds. Meet the team, chat through ideas, and
Essential Maintenance at East Cowes Terminal: 13th January – 12th February 2025
Red Funnel has announced a programme of work will be carried out at its East Cowes terminal between 13th January and 12th February 2025. The works will ensure the operational continuity of the operator’s East Cowes linkspan. The planned activity includes general maintenance and life extension work to the concrete slipway that meets the linkspan, as well as the replacement of the linkspan’s hinges and fingers, which connect it to the concrete slipway. Starting from 18th Jan, the project will necessitate temporarily pausing late night ferry traffic coming in and out of East Cowes on select dates, whereby the 23:55 crossing from
RED FUNNEL ANNOUNCES HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT AIR AMBULANCE AS ITS CHARITY OF THE YEAR, 2025
Red Funnel has today announced that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) will be the company’s Charity of the Year for the duration of 2025. The announcement follows the results of a vote by the Isle of Wight community, Red Funnel colleagues and customers. Wessex Cancer Support, IOW and The Wight Brainy were also shortlisted, following a review of 39 charities who submitted applications. Since the ferry operator began its Charity of the Year programme in 2015 it has raised over £400,000 in support of causes impacting the Island community. Notably, HIOWAA was Red Funnel’s third ever Charity of the