Riverfest returns for 2024!
Ahoy me hearties! It’s back, Riverfest 2024 takes place on Saturday 11th May on The Quay in Newport from 10:00 until a slightly later time of 17:00. Riverfest is a free, family-fun day out brought to you by Newport Carnival & Community Events Association and is now in its third year under Newport Carnival. CBeebies’ Swashbuckle presenter Gemma Hunt will be bringing some pirate shenanigans to the festival. Gemma said: "I’m really excited to be coming to the Isle of Wight for Riverfest and bringing some pirate shenanigans to the festival, looking forward to seeing you me hearties! It will be a fun, interactive
Second New Attraction at Blackgang Chine Revealed for 2024
Having already excited fans with the announcement of The Jolly Robin, a swinging pirate ship ride being added to the park this year, Blackgang Chine have this evening announced their second new attraction; The Blackgang Beach. A giant water pillow will sit surrounded by a yellow rubber pour giving the impression of water on sand, but without the mess or need to pack a towel. Children, and grown-ups, can enjoy endless hours of play, being able to boast to friends that they can “walk on water”. The concept artwork shows extensive planting and theming, along with deck chair seating, which no
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Celebrate spring at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary with our delightful new afternoon tea experience, launching this Mothering Sunday weekend March 9th and 10th. The new teatime treat at their award-winning Grazers Cafe features an assortment of finger sandwiches, a savoury delight, freshly baked scones and a selection of traditional cakes
First Look at The Jolly Robin – The New Attraction Swinging into Blackgang Chine in 2024
Today Blackgang Chine has revealed the name and concept artwork of their newest ride; The Jolly Robin. This is of course a nod to the ride itself being Colossus from Robin Hill which is currently under offer. However, it will be a completely new experience for riders as the ship is undergoing complete refurbishment, repaint, and retheme to fit seamlessly into Pirate Cove at Blackgang Chine. The concept artwork shows significant expansion to the area, which is now heavily themed to tie into the backstory of the boat; a chilling tale of a ghostly whaling ship, sunk by a giant whale during
Have an ‘Eggcelent’ time at Monkey Haven this Easter
Swing into Spring at the Island’s award-winning Monkey Haven – a special place to relax, have fun and meet some amazing rescued animals. Easter is an ‘Eggcelent’ time to visit the sanctuary as there’s lots of fun things to do, including a cracking egg hunt and Easter crafts in the lodge. There’s a free activity booklet and stamper trail for the kids and don’t forget to download their fun free App - follow trails, collect virtual bananas and see behind the scenes using the secret hot spots! Catch the award-winning keeper talks and animal feeds throughout the day to learn about the
Monkey around with Mum on Mothers’ Day
Here’s a treat for you and your Mum – on Saturday 9th March & Sunday 10th March, Monkey Haven will be offering FREE admission to every mum who visits with a paying child. To celebrate Mothers’ Day, there will also be tasty treats in the Tea Room and the Keeper talks throughout the day will tell you all about the rescued mums at our award-winning animal sanctuary. You’ll get to hear about… ♥ Rasmaya, the long suffering Lar Gibbon, and her high maintenance teenage daughter, Somer. ♥ Lulu, who’s not only a mum to four capuchins, but is also a grandma too. Sadly she
New Attraction Swinging into Blackgang Chine for 2024
Blackgang Chine has revealed that a new attraction will be “swinging” into the park for the 2024 season, and will no doubt delight fans as it adds even more to their ride offering. Eagle eyed islanders spotted Colossus, the much-loved galleon ship from Robin Hill being transported to the mainland earlier this month, sparking fears it had been sold. However, Vectis Ventures, the parent company of Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine, confirmed it was simply going away for maintenance, and tonight’s announcement confirms that it will be returning to a new home at the Ventnor site. Watch the full video announcement here. Park Manager
Feel the love at Monkey Haven this half term and join us for Love Week: 10th – 25th February
Swing on by and fall in love with the rescued gibbons, monkeys, owls, meerkats and many other exotic creatures at our award-winning sanctuary as they open their doors for 2024. Learn about the amazing rescued animals we care for at our keeper talks, held throughout the day. They will be focusing on love in its many forms – romances, bromances and Djimmy's love affair with his toy piggies. This is also your chance to get up close to one of our hand reared owls and rescued reptiles. Plus there’s a very special love story, as Xhabu the Siamang is finally reunited with
Bouncy Barn Fun
Bounce your way out of winter with Bouncy Barn at Tapnell Farm Park this February half term, from Tuesday 13th – Thursday 15th February. Enjoy all-weather, high-energy fun with a huge range of inflatable activities set to keep the whole family entertained. Expect bouncy slides, bouncy castles and bouncy assault courses, Helter Skelter & bungee run, drop slide & wrecking ball. Plus, there’s a special toddler soft play zone with Paw Patrol bounce and slide, and Peppa Pig castle. Gladiators ready! Who’s up for the challenge in the Gladiator arena? Hilarious fun to keep the kids, big and small, entertained! It’ll be a Total Wipeout! Plus,
Isle of Wight Carnival Dates for 2024
The Island is always brimming with excitement when a carnival is taking place and this year will see the return of many favourites. Carnival season is not only popular for Islanders, but for visitors too! Below is a list of Isle of Wight carnivals due to take place in 2024. This list as a guide only, so do please check with the carnival you are wishing to attend prior to the procession taking place. Why not check Facebook, to see if a carnival has a dedicated page, which will announce up to date information. Information last updated on Sunday 14th January 2024