Solent maritime community comes together for symbolic Poppy Appeal crossing
Photo caption: (Left to right) Higel Hartley, Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Cllr Stuart Ellis, Cowes Town Mayor, Fran Collins, Red Funnel CEO, Cllr Tracy Reader, East Cowes Town Mayor, and Cllr Karl Love, East Cowes Deputy Mayor The Solent maritime community has come together with the Royal British Legion to mark the Poppy Appeal with a symbolic crossing to the Isle of Wight ahead of Remembrance Sunday. The first remembrance poppies made their journey across the Solent aboard Red Funnel’s Red Osprey to the Isle of Wight on Thursday 22 October, bringing the local maritime and military community together in a
51,000 votes cast supporting coveted Isle of Wight tourism awards
More than 51,000 public votes have been cast across 203 entries for the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards. 38 businesses entered the awards for the first time this year, with 15 newcomers reaching the top three in their categories. 19 awards recognise the Isle of Wight’s tourism businesses across Food & Drink, Places to Stay and Things to Do, with winners to be announced on 12 November. Wednesday 14th October: The countdown is on to the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards, with more than 51,000 public votes cast across 203 entries and a new generation of Island
Bonfire Night on the Isle of Wight: Stay Safe and Enjoy the Sparkle
There’s something rather magical about Bonfire Night on the Isle of Wight. As the evenings draw in and the autumn air gets colder, towns and villages across the Island come alive with glowing bonfires, spectacular fireworks and plenty of opportunities to wrap up warm and enjoy an evening outdoors. Whether you’re heading to an organised display with the family, watching fireworks from a distance or enjoying a bonfire at home, Bonfire Night is a fantastic autumn tradition. But with fire, fireworks and crowds involved, it’s important to put safety first. Here’s our guide to enjoying Bonfire Night safely on the Isle of
ROBIN HILL SPOOKTACULAR: HALLOWEEN FUN COMES TO THE WOODS THIS OCTOBER
Three nights of trick or treating, spooky surprises, music, colour and Halloween mayhem are coming to Robin Hill Adventure Park this October. The Park is getting ready to celebrate Halloween with its three-night Spooktacular event, taking place on 28th, 29th and 30th October from 5pm to 9pm. Families are invited to dress up and head into the woodland after dark for an evening packed with Halloween fun, frights and surprises. At the heart of the event is Robin Hill’s Trick or Treat Scare Trail, taking visitors deep into the darkened woods where Halloween characters, spooky lighting and sound effects will be
Solent Swim 2026: 76 Swimmers, 76 Stories of Courage and Determination
On Saturday 25th July, 76 incredible swimmers will take on West Wight Sports and Community Centre's annual Cross Solent Swim. Every participant has their own personal reason for accepting this extraordinary challenge, making this event about so much more than simply crossing the Solent and raising essential funds for the charity that runs the Centre. Among this year's swimmers are three dedicated West Wight Swimming Club coaches - Lottie James, Bethany Williams and Jack Pickford - who continue to inspire the next generation of swimmers both in and out of the pool. Lottie James, West Wight Swimming Head Coach One of the many
50th Anniversary Celebrations at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
This September, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary are marking 50 years of conservation, compassion and connection with an unforgettable celebration event taking place on Saturday, 19th September. Join them for an evening full of family entertainment, including: Bubbleology displays from The Lovely Bubbly Show Live acoustic music from Ruby Glitter face painting Performances from Melodic Choir Animal talks and feeds Roaming performances from The New Carnival Company Cocktail bar Barbecue and other local food stalls An epic, Wildheart-themed drone show finale from LumaNation! The details: Location: Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Isle of Wight Date: Saturday, 19th September Times: 5pm to 8:30pm Tickets: Adults £16.50, Child £13.50, Under 3s FREE More information
Experience Sunrise Breakfasts and Sunset Safaris at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Sunrise Breakfasts The popular Sunrise Breakfasts are returning to Wildheart Animal Sanctuary this summer! They will be opening the doors to the Sanctuary from 8:30am, so you can have a delicious breakfast with them while enjoying a rare early morning encounter with their rescued animals. Numbers are restricted, giving you extra space to enjoy the grounds and spend time with their animals when the Sanctuary is at its quietest. Your ticket includes access to the Sanctuary from 8:30am to 10am and a delicious freshly made grab ‘n’ go breakfast and hot drink*. Please make your food selection when booking your tickets so they
England Match Nights Coming to Robin Hill Adventure Park This June
Football fans are invited to experience three huge England match nights this June at the spectacular Amphitheatre at Robin Hill Adventure Park. Supporters can watch England take on Croatia, Ghana and Panama live on the big screen in a unique outdoor atmosphere packed with entertainment, music and pre-match excitement. Doors will open two hours before kick-off for fans to enjoy special big-screen sporting highlights, DJ music, and football-themed activities including a Keepie Uppie and Penalty Challenge in aid of the Wight Games Festival charities. Match Schedule England v Croatia – 17th June – Doors open at 6.30pm and Kick-off 9:00pm England v Ghana – 23rd
The latest from West Wight Sports Centre
February Half Term: West Wight Sports and Community Centre are excited to release their February Half Term programme of activities for children, between Monday 16th and Sunday 22nd February. They have both land and pool-based sessions for children aged 4 and above to enjoy throughout the week. To view the programme and find out more information, click the link below: February Half Term Programme - West Wight Sports and Community Centre Southampton Marathon: They are delighted to announce that they have secured charity places for the Southampton Marathon this year. The event takes place on Sunday 3rd May, and they are now accepting applications. To apply,
Robin Hill launch “Mudder Run” on Saturday 3rd January 2026
Robin Hill Adventure Park is kicking off the new year with a splash and plenty of mud as it hosts the Robin Hill Mudder Run on Saturday, 3rd January 2026. Set in the park’s stunning woodland and hillside trails, the event promises a fun-filled day of fitness, laughter, and teamwork for runners of all ages and abilities. Participants can choose from three muddy challenges: 1K Mini Mudder age 4-14 (10:00) 5K or 10k Mudder Challenge age 14 and over (start times between 11.00 – 13.00) Tickets are £12.00 for the Mini Mudder and £18.00 for the 5k and 10k runs with £2.00 from