Events July to September

The events below are taking place on the Isle of Wight between July and September this year. Click on the links for full details.

Folkstation Festival

6-8 July 2012, Havenstreet
A unique festival of music, dance, songs, sessions, bands, Real Ale, on-site camping and a real Steam Railway – what’s not to like! The event offers a weekend packed full of great folk music, concerts, workshops, kids entertainment dance displays real ale and lots more. Folkstation Music Festival...

Isle of Wight Open Arts Studios

13-16 Jul 2012, South & Sout West Wight
Each July Isle of Wight artists and makers open their homes or studios to visitors for two Open Studios weekends. Open Studios gives visitors the opportunity to meet local artists in their working environment, find out about how they work and should you choose, make a purchase direct from the artist. A record 125 painters, glass artists, sculptors, jewellers, textile artists, potters, print-makers, photographers and digital artists will be inviting visitors to come and see them at work in their homes, gardens or studios. Isle of Wight Open Studios

RhythmTree Festival

20-22 July 2012, Calbourne
A fusion of didgeridoo, Samba and World Music in the beautiful setting of Calbourne Water Mill. The line-up includes the awesome Baka Beyond, Kanagaroo Moon and many more making it one of the hottest world music festivals of the summer.
Rhythm Tree Music Festival...

Newport Jazz Weekend

20-22 July 2012, Newport
Featuring the world class guitarist Martin Taylor MBE as the main draw, another major coup is the appearance of New York-based Keith Ingham, a pianist recently described by the Weekend's resident artist Digby Fairweather as "one of the best in the world".
Other leading musicians already confirmed include Georgia Mancio, Mark Nightingale (trombone), Simon Allen (saxes), Jo Fooks (saxes), Andy Urquhart (trumpet) and Dave Sheppard (clarinet). The Island's own popular vocalist Edana Minghella will appear with her quintet on the Sunday. Newport Jazz Weekend

20-23 Jul 2012, Central, North & East Wight
Each July Isle of Wight artists and makers open their homes or studios to visitors for two Open Studios weekends. Open Studios gives visitors the opportunity to meet local artists in their working environment, find out about how they work and should you choose, make a purchase direct from the artist. A record 125 painters, glass artists, sculptors, jewellers, textile artists, potters, print-makers, photographers and digital artists will be inviting visitors to come and see them at work in their homes, gardens or studios. Isle of Wight Open Studios

Farmer Jack's Maize Maze

20 Jul to 30 Sep, Arreton Old Village
Now in its second year, Farmer Jack's Amazing Maize Maze is 4 miles of fun in the beautiful Arreton valley. Follow the clues in the Olympic-themed maze, trying-out the keep-fit activities (if you want!) until you get the the heart of the maze, where you can enjoy the views across the 8 acres of growing maize.

The maze can be completed in an hour, but two hours is usual, and longer is possible!  A great day out for all the family, its miles of amazing fun! Plenty of free parking on site, and on bus route 8.  Also on site is Farmer Jack's Farm Shop, the Dairyman's Daughter pub and the crafts, shops and museum of Arreton Old Village.  Free toilets and disabled facilities. www.farmerjacks.co.uk

V-Dub Island

2-6 Aug 2012, IoW County Show Ground
V-Dub Island is for all Volkswagen owners new and old, Vee Dub enthusiasts and like-minded people. Featuring the best entertainment, heaps of family fun and lots more beside. Discounted ferry travel available. Buy V-Dub Island Tickets...

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

11-18 August 2012, Cowes/Solent
Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week offers a fantastic experience for sailors and non-sailors alike. This prestigious regatta attracts thousands of boats of all sizes and classes. Soak up the unique party atmosphere, which culminates with a spectacular firework display on the Friday night. Cowes Week...

Ventnor Fringe Festival

15-18 Aug 2012, Ventnor
The Isle of Wight's answer to the world famous Edinburgh Fringe,  the Ventnor Fringe takes place over four days in locations encompassing the entire town, from parks to basements, churches to courtyards, all play host to artists in disciplines as diverse as spoken word, film, music and theatre.  Ventnor Fringe Festival

WOWFest

17-19 August 2012, Shanklin
Paul Oakenfold, Soul II Soul, Danny Rampling, Maxi Priest, The Selector, Bad Manners, Heaven 17 and UB40 to name just a few acts appearing at this years inaugural WOWfest global party. WOWfest tickets

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

18-19 Aug 2012, Totland Bay
Over 20,000 visitors are expected to attend, sampling the famous garlic sausages, garlic beer, and even garlic Ice Cream. The event also showcases the best of Island produce, plays host to bands, remarkable circus performers and exotic animals, not to mention a huge beer tent and classic car show. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival...

The British Powerboat Festival

24-26 Aug 2012, Cowes, Isle of Wight
The Formula One of the Sea, powerboat racing returns to the Solent with the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes endurance race and the UIM Marathon Series World Cup. With thrills on the water and plenty of shoreside entertainment, it's a great day out for the whole family. British Powerboat Festival...

Island Steam show

24-27 Aug 2012, Havenstreet
An action-packed show and great family day out! Stunning shows including ‘Legends’ Medieval Jousting in the main arena, will make you gasp, cheer and laugh … And see silly things to do with traction engines, plus lots to keep you entertained all day!  Climb aboard the traditional fairground rides ... And marvel at the beautifully maintained traction engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and old wagons. With steam train rides, stalls, country crafts, refreshments, and even a Red Indian encampment, the Island Steam Show will make your August Bank Holiday a weekend to remember! Isle of Wight Steam Show...

Isle of Wight Scooter Rally

24-27 Aug 2012, Ryde
Held at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde, the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally has been taking place for over 10 years and is now firmly established in the Isle of Wight event calendar. Every August bank holiday thousands of scooter enthusiasts from all over the world descend on the Island to celebrate iconic Italian design and British youth culture.
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally...

Wolverton Manor Garden Fair

1-2 Sept 2012, Shorwell
Set in the magnificent gardens of Wolverton Manor, the annual Garden Fair features stalls and horticultural displays from local and mainland nurseries, as well as a themed Elizabethan village complete with fantastical costumes, delicious food and magical musicians. Wolverton Manor Garden Fair...

Bestival 2012

6 & 7 Sept 2012, Robin Hill Country Park, Newport
Robin Hill will once again come alive with the sound of music and Bestival devotees can expect another eclectic and inspired range of artists. The music is only part of what makes Bestival so magical. The family friendly atmosphere and weird and wonderful events and attractions such as the famous fancy dress carnival and the inflatable church help make Bestival a fitting finale to the festival season. Bestival Isle of Wight...

Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

22-30 Sept 2012, Island wide
With its mix of events and activities to suit all ages and abilities, hardcore cyclists can take their pick from the notorious Hills Killer Challenge; a gruelling orienteering mountain bike race against the clock, over 3, 7 or 14 hills, or attempt to "Cycle the Wight" a 65 mile road ride around the Island in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Alternatively, you can simply join in with one of many rides taking place all over the Island, and enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of your saddle. Isle of Wight Cycling Festival...

Sweetcorn Fair

29-30 Sept 2012, Arreton Old Village
The Sweetcorn Fayre celebrates all that is best about the Island, including local food stalls, crafts, plants and gifts.  Help send a sweetcorn into space, make the world's biggest sweetcorn fritter, have a go making popcorn and try the sweetcorn speed eating competition.  All this, plus the Dairyman's Daughter beer festival, terrier racing, fun games, tractor rides, children's entertainers, live music and more.  Entry fee includes entry to Farmer Jack's Amazing Maize Maze for only 50p - saving £3.50!

Lots of free parking on site, plus pub serving food, farm shop, disabled facilities.  Only £2.50 per person with all proceeds to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Lions Club. Isle of Wight Sweetcorn Fayre...