Riverfest 2022 to sail ahead under new stream!
Isle of Wight Riverfest was launched in 2008 by the Isle of Wight Council. The event was taken over by The Footprint Trust in 2010 and has become the biggest free community event in Newport, attracting some 4,000 people annually. Due to the Covid pandemic, the event had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021. During this period the Trust’s main work, in promoting energy efficiency in homes and assisting Islanders in fuel poverty grew substantially. The Trust decided it was time to hand Riverfest onto another organisation, so they could focus on their core work. Following discussions with Newport Carnival
Where to meet Father Christmas on the Isle of Wight 2021
Father Christmas, or Santa as he is often known, is making quite a few visits to the Island this December. So, make sure to take your little ones to meet him, and in some cases Mother Christmas too, at these following locations. Santa will be at Tapnell Farm for their magical Christmas at Tapnell adventure, and everyone gets one on one time with him as part of that experience. This adventure is open to groups from three to six people and takes around 45 minutes, with lots of exciting stories for children to participate in on the search for Smudge the
Winter and Christmas Activities and Events
There’s nothing better than a Christmas themed market or event to get you into the festive spirit – and sometimes some of those are on offer too. Here’s our round up of a few of the Christmassy things you might like to do before Christmas arrives. Polar at Robin Hill – always good value for money and so pretty, with twinkling walkways, a huge festive marble arch, a treetop snowball fight with trampoline full of inflatable ‘snowballs’, family rides and Christmas crafting workshops. And, of course, Pippa and Pop the polar bears, cheeky dodos and the wonderful Fairy Queen from Robin
The Ultimate Autumn Escape
The ‘Lost Crypt’ Ryde is the perfect place to escape the crowds this Autumn…Bring your family, friends, work colleagues or team mates together and head underground, to take on one of the Isle of Wight’s most exciting and atmospheric experiences. Launched in July 2021, Aspire Ryde’s Lost Crypt is no ordinary Escape Room. Players need to ‘unlock’ a series of historical puzzles and clues, based on a unique real-life mystery, within a historical church building – ‘Holy Trinity’. New for the Autumn are weekend sessions; there are bookable slots from 10:00am to 16:00pm every Saturday and Sunday. Late openings on a Saturday
An Island in Terror!
If you go down to the woods today… you’re in for a spooky surprise and an unexpected workout! It’s the time of year again for pumpkin carving and sweet stocking, but if you are looking for something with a little more thrill, Terror Island has returned and are handing out extra tricks and a side of yummy treats! We were lucky enough to attend this years press night and can assure you, Terror Island did not disappoint. With three mazes to visit, each playing on a different theme, along with plenty of added extras, this really is a test of the
POLAR is back at Robin Hill this Christmas
Tickets now available for the Isle of Wight’s most magical experience! The festive story of POLAR continues at Robin Hill this winter season with selected evenings of magical Christmas delight from 4th – 23rd December. From the Walk of Wonder and beautifully illuminated ancient woodland, to immersive walk-through experiences like the POLAR Hollow, it’s this Christmas’ must-see experience! Under the twinkling evening light, begin your journey with a visit to one of the decoration workshops. Bookable online in advance, these craft workshops are great for both children and adults alike! Stop by the family favourite rides with a touch of Christmas magic before venturing
The Island’s biggest, award-winning scare event returns this October!
Terror Island, with three epic scare mazes is the ultimate night out this October! Running on five select dates from 22nd - 31st, the event will really give you something to scream about this Halloween! Having scooped the ‘Best New Event’ award from internationally recognised awarding body ScareCON, for their first instalment back in 2019, Terror Island is now back bigger and better! Hosted at the UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine, it’s the perfect night out for groups of mates or a work night with a difference. As well as the three themed scare mazes, the event is hosting live DJ sets
Isle of Wight Festival 2021 Review
Everyone I spoke to agreed that this year’s IW Festival was the one they had enjoyed the best of all of the IW Festivals since 2002, and why was that? Because it happened at all!!! In a climate of Covid paranoia, and within an atmosphere of fear, John and Caroline Giddings fought tooth and nail to put on this year’s Festival and it was an absolute triumph. From the smallest artist on a makeshift stage, to the huge headliners on the Main and Big Top stages, everyone was on top form, bursting to bring their music back to the masses. And
Grand Russian High Tea Book launch raises over £1,000 for Island charities
Hosted by Lady Cheshire and Lady Grylls, a Grand Russian High Tea at the Royal Hotel was to launch Stephan Roman’s new book ‘Isle and Empires’ and to raise money for Mountbatten and Dementia UK Admiral Nurses IW. Guests were greeted with a Russian Spring Punch cocktail, made with Mermaid Salt Vodka courtesy of the Isle of Wight Distillery, Rachmaninov from Simon Davis on piano, and a real Russian samovar loaned by the Leconfield Hotel. Once seated guests were treated to a cornucopia of Russian-themed scones, cakes and delicacies, designed by Ben Chamberlain and his team, whilst sipping Russian and English