Red Funnel invites customers and Island community to vote for its next Charity of the Year
Red Funnel has opened the public vote for it’s annual Charity of the Year programme. Three charities all contending for the 2025 title have been shortlisted by Red Funnel following an internal review and staff vote. Making the shortlist: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Wessex Cancer Support, Isle of Wight The Wight Brainy Bunch Since beginning its Charity of the Year programme back in 2015, Red Funnel has invited local charities to partake in an annual application process, in the hopes of becoming the company’s featured charity partner for the upcoming year. Fran Collins, CEO at Red Funnel, said: "This
WHO IS YOUR ISLAND TOURISM HERO? RED FUNNEL’S ISLE OF WIGHT AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2025
Red Funnel are asking Isle of Wight businesses and residents to nominate their very own Tourism Hero for 2024 – a brand-new accolade launched as part of the annual Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards held earlier this month. The recipient of this new award can be anyone working within the Island’s tourism industry who goes above and beyond at what they do; be it innovative business owners and dedicated employees or volunteers giving their time to create a memorable experience. Islanders are invited to nominate their Tourism Hero by 30th November, ready to announce the winner by the end of the
Red Funnel raises over £21,000 to fuel Isle of Wight Foodbank’s mission
Red Funnel has hit a major milestone in its fundraising efforts for its Charity of the Year, the Isle of Wight Foodbank. Together with customers and colleagues, the company has raised over £21,000 to support the foodbank’s vital work in the community. Delivering the news in person, CEO Fran Collins spent time with the team and volunteers to see the operation behind the scenes. Fran assisted with sorting donations and packing boxes and gained insight into the Foodbank’s Reverse Advent Calendar initiative. Throughout November, the Foodbank is inviting everyone to take part by assembling a box and donating a small item
Luccombe Hotels and Shanklin Villa Celebrate Triple Win in Isle of Wight Awards
Shanklin, Isle of Wight – Family-owned Luccombe Hotels and Shanklin Villa have proudly claimed three major accolades in the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards, affirming their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Luccombe Hall Hotel was awarded the prestigious Gold for Best Hotel Experience for the third consecutive year, while sister hotel Luccombe Manor earned the Silver Award for Best Place for Dogs, and Shanklin Villa received the Gold Award for Best Apartment/Cottage on the Isle of Wight. “We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition,” says Steve Wells, Director of Luccombe Hotels. “Winning these awards makes us even more determined to
Shining a spotlight on the Isle of Wight’s Best: Red Funnel’s annual awards celebrate local excellence
On Thursday 7th November, Red Funnel held its 5th annual Isle of Wight Awards at Northwood House in Cowes, recognising the local businesses that make the Isle of Wight a wonderfully different place to live and visit. The prestigious celebration honoured the contributions of businesses which shape the Island’s distinctive character and bring exceptional experiences to residents and visitors alike. Through a community-driven voting process, visitors and locals had the opportunity to vote for their favourite Island tourism businesses across 19 award categories, which featured places to stay, places to eat, things to do, and the acclaimed Isle of Woof award.
Experience the Magic of the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival 2024
BRIGHSTONE, Isle of Wight – Get ready for the most Christmassy event of the year! The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival returns from Thursday, 5th December to Sunday, 8th December 2024, promising an unforgettable celebration of festive fun and community spirit. Featuring over 150 gorgeously decorated Christmas trees across nine picturesque venues in and around Brighstone, Mottistone, and Calbourne, this festival is a firm favourite of Islanders and visitors alike. Venues open 10am until 5pm, unless stated otherwise. Special Opening Service Kick off the festive season with the Lights of Love service on Wednesday, 4th December, at St Mary’s Church in Brighstone. This
Red Funnel honours UK Armed Forces with free foot passenger travel on 10th and 11th November
In honour of Remembrance Sunday (10th November) and Remembrance Day (11th November) Red Funnel is offering past and present serving UK Armed Forces free foot passenger ferry travel to and from the Isle of Wight. The special offer is available for travel on both the ferry operator’s High-Speed Red Jet service and vehicle ferry service and is exclusively for serving and veteran UK Armed Forces. Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: "We deeply appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our UK Armed Forces. Remembrance Day offers us a moment to unite as a nation and pay tribute to those who have
SLOMO SAUNA RETURNS TO TAPNELL
Calling all sauna lovers … ex-radio 1 DJ and Camp Bestival co-founders, Rob and Josie da Bank will be opening the UK’s first public floating sauna as part of their Slomo Winter Warmer offering at Tapnell Farm, from 7th November – 29th December (Thursday-Sunday + Christmas holidays). Bringing a Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience to the island, the Slomo Winter Warmer contrast therapy hub will also feature two wood-fired Nordic saunas with views over the lake, a 7ft diameter ice-cold plunge tank for six people and a hygge inspired lounging area complete with fire pit. Guests can also enjoy optional extras like the
Red Funnel Confirms Annual Maintenance Programme to Improve Hi-Speed Service and Timetable Reliability for Passengers
As part of Red Funnel’s ongoing investment into maintenance and improving the reliability of its fleet, the cross-Solent ferry operator has confirmed dates for its 2024 Red Jet refit programme. Works will ensure its vessels are fully equipped for the peak season. Red Jet 6 will undergo her annual refit at Wight Shipyard from 10th November - 2ndDecember. The list of work includes servicing of the vessel’s hydraulic and safety systems, essential maintenance to the vessel’s generators, jet propulsion systems and main engine and new carpeting in the passenger accommodation area. Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said: "Our planned annual
Legendary Broadcaster Celebrates 60 Year TV Anniversary Milestone with a Special One-Off Show on the Isle of Wight
With a career spanning six decades, Fred Dinenage has earned his place as one of Britain's most beloved broadcasters. His journey in television commenced in 1964. Fast forward 60 years and 2024 marks Fred's sixtieth anniversary as a revered reporter and TV presenter. To celebrate this incredible milestone, Jack Up Events are inviting Islanders to celebrate with the man himself - in person - at Shanklin Theatre on Saturday 2nd November. Audiences will fondly remember his association with Southern Television, and its subsequent incarnations as TVS and Meridian Broadcasting, which remain a defining thread of Fred’s professional life. He is also well