Red Funnel News - Isle of Wight News

Isle of Wight Walking Festival in full swing

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

The 15th annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival is underway and promises to offer people the chance to explore the famous island.

Running throughout the month of May, participants will be given the opportunity to take part in over 270 guided walks suited to all range of abilities and age.

Currently more than half of the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while there are over 500 miles of well-maintained footpaths for visitors to enjoy, so it is an enticing prospect.

The event has a history of putting on a great selection of activities - it picked up the silver for Tourism Best Event in the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2010, while it was also honoured with the CIPR Award for Best Event 2009.

It got underway on May 4th and organisers say it has already been the most successful to date, attracting in excess of 20,000 people.

Indeed, if individuals get hooked on rambling, they can attend the Autumn Walking Weekend, which takes place on October 25th-28th. This will give them the opportunity to revisit some of their favourite locations and tackle a few more challenging walks.

Ben Roseveare, marketing director from Exodus Travels - the headline sponsor of the event - said his company is really excited to be part of the occasion, particularly as it is the biggest of its kind in Europe.

He is also looking forward to the future, as there will be some specially organised Exodus Walks "to celebrate the best of our overseas walking holidays".

When it was first held, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival only offered 39 walks, but it has steadily grown in popularity to the stage now where over 270 are organised. Moving forward, the festival is expected to become one of the most important dates on the calendar for any visitors to the island, especially those who are fond of a ramble.

Bestival birthday bash to feature amazing acts

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

The annual Bestival festival will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in style later this year, with the 10th Birthday Bash to take place in September.

Festival organiser Rob da Bank commented: "We've gone full steam ahead and booked one of the best line-ups of exciting and fresh music that you’re likely to see all year long."

Acts that will be taking to the stage at the special event are set to include Ghostpoet, Sam Smith, Nina Nesbitt, Dog is Dead, Feeling Gloomy, Chloe Howl, To Kill a King, Man without a Country and more.

It will be taking place from September 5th to 8th and the Replay with Rob da Bank stage will be the venue.

The news of the Birthday Bash follows hot on the heels of the announcement that a new dance arena is to be set up at this year's Bestival.

Named The Port, the venue will house an array of top dance acts during the festival weekend, including Annie Mac, Carl Cox, DJ EZ, The 2 Bears and Jaguar Skills.

Head to the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival 2013

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

People are set to flock to the Isle of Wight in order to take part in one of the summer's highlights.

The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival 2013 is taking place on August 17th and 18th and promises to offer plenty for all of the family. The outdoors event is a firm favourite on the calendar and promises to be just as popular this year.

Attendees can look forward to checking out over 300 commercial stalls featuring edible treats, fairground rides, vintage vehicles and a selection of chart-topping acts.

The now world famous Isle of Wight garlic is used to flavour a variety of foodstuffs, including hot crusty bread, moules, sweetcorn, prawns and lamb, and beer. Over the course of the two-day festival, around 20,000 people are expected to come along and get involved in the fun.

Some of the finest local produce is going to be on offer, while there will also be a number of cookery demos throughout the two days, giving individuals the chance to get some top tips.

However, the event is not just about garlic, as there will be lots of children's entertainment on show, including a fun fair, falconry displays, circus skills and talented dogs.

According to organisers, it is set to be the biggest festival taking place on the island in the summer. In order to encourage families to attend, free parking is being offered, which should make it easier for getting to and from the event.

For those who enjoy the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival 2013, the Arreton Barns Sweetcorn Fayre will be taking place the month after. The charity event - all of the money raised goes towards Earl Mountbatten Hospice - is being held towards the end of September.

Entry is priced at £2.50 and those under the age of 11 can get in for free. The traditional village fete also has a beer festival, which means adults have something to look forward to.

Feast of folk and blues this weekend

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

Individuals planning an Isle of Wight getaway in the coming days might like to head along to the annual Wolverton Folk and Blues Fair, which will be taking place on Saturday (May 18th).

Organised in aid of Leukaemia Research and Brighstone School, admission will cost £5 in advance and £7 at the gate, with visitors being treated to an array of musical talent, including The Sail Pattern, Jude Davison, Holly Kirby and Wild Oats.

Gates will open at 11:30 BST and children under 12 will be able to get in for free.

It promises to be a great day out for all the family, with live bands, local food and drink, as well as amusement from children's entertainers, a circus skills tent and even Zumba classes.

Music lovers planning a visit to the island over the coming months might like to book their place for some of the most high-profile festivals in the UK, with both the Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival attracting thousands of avid music fans.

Annual Sweetcorn Fayre returns in August

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

Visitors planning a trip to the Isle of Wight in August might like to check out the culinary delights of the annual Arreton Barns Sweetcorn Fayre, which will be taking place on the 28th and 29th of the month.

Situated at Arreton Old Village, the event will help to raise funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and promises to be a fun weekend for all the family, packed with vintage craft stalls, fete attractions, fairground rides and plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Cheese and wine tasting sessions will take place each day for parents, while more than 40 local beers and ciders will be on offer.

Visitors will also have the chance to pop their own popcorn, try their hand at making corn fritters, while also receiving expert tuition on the workings of a traditional steam-powered corn mill.

Entry will cost £2.50 per person, but under-11s can get in for free, while the fayre will take place each day from 10:00 to 17:00 BST, although the public house The Dairyman's Daughter will stay open later.

Other events that are taking place in the coming months to help to raise funds for Earl Mountbatten Hospice include the upcoming 2013 Isle of Wight Cycling Festival.

Set to take place from September 14th to 29th, the festival will attract hundreds of avid cyclists from the UK and beyond, as entrants take on a gruelling course across the island.

It will see a 70-mile endurance race - the Wightlink Wight Challenge - taking in all parts of the Isle of Wight, with 10,000 spectators expected this year.

Councillor David Pugh, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: "The cycling festival is a very popular event attracting thousands of cyclists to the island to enjoy our varied cycling terrain and stunning scenery."

Scarecrow festival to be held next month

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

Visitors to the Isle of Wight in the coming weeks might like to check out this year's Gatcombe and Chillerton Scarecrow Festival.

Taking place throughout the villages of Gatcombe and Chillerton from May 25th to June 2nd, the event promises to be great fun for all the family and will be free to head along to.

More than 100 scarecrows of all shapes and guises will be erected throughout the villages by locals, with prizes on offer for the most inventive and impressive designs.

Visitors will be able to view the extensive decoration of the area, as well as enjoy a range of refreshments at the local village hall for just £1.

Meanwhile, fans of classic jazz might like to head along to Bill's Birthday Bash at the Apollo Theatre in Newport on June 23rd.

Performers on the night will include saxophone player Alan Barnes, double bassist Cass Caswell and trumpeter Digby Fairweather.

Ginger Baker to play Rhythmtree

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

Drum legend and former member of iconic '70s rock group Cream Ginger Baker is set to pick up the sticks and hit the skins once more at this year's Rhythmtree Festival.

Set to take place in July, the event will see Isle of Wight visitors treated to an array of world music experiences, with Baker's Jazz Confusion set to take to the main stage as one of the highlights of the 2013 line-up.

In addition to performing with his own band, Baker will also join Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Orchestra for the Rhythmtree tribute to the music of Fela Kuti.

Probably best known for his collaboration with Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton, Cream had some of the biggest hits of the 1970s, including Strange Brew, I Feel Free, Born Under a Bad Sign and White Room.

The original superstar drummer of rock 'n' roll, Baker built a reputation for hard partying and his unique playing style.

Festival organiser Gerry Priddle said: "When we first made enquiries about the booking we were expecting to just get the Jazz Confusion on the bill.

"When Ginger's management informed him of our approach, and he looked at the Rhythmtree Sunday line-up, there was an immediate request that he also join the Fela tribute."

Other acts that will be taking part in Rhythmtree 2013 include King Porter Stomp, Son of Dave, AJ Holmes and the Hackney Empire, Dele Sosimi's Afrobeat Vibration, Cable Street Collective, Elvis Fontenot and the Sugarbees, The Tony Mann Trio and more.

Running from July 19th to 21st, tickets for the festival cost £70 to £75 for an adult weekend pass and teens (13 to 17-year-olds) can get in for £40. Meanwhile, children 12 and under can gain access for free. Day admission is also available for the event, with prices ranging from £15 to £30.

Musical evening in Sandown

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

Individuals heading on an Isle of Wight getaway this week might like to check out a night of musical entertainment that is being organised in Sandown to raise funds for Compassion UK.

Set to be held on Friday (April 10th) at Sandown Baptist Church from 19:00 to 21:00 BST, the show will feature music and poetry by Elisabeth, Roberta and Charlotte Boreham.

Guests will be treated to an evening of relaxation and culture, with refreshments also provided.

Tickets will cost £5 for adults, while children under 16 will be able to get in for free, with all funds raised going towards supporting the efforts of Compassion UK.

The charity partners with churches and child welfare organisations in 26 countries around the world and aims to boost the spiritual, economic, social and physical development of children living in extreme poverty.

Founded by American evangelist reverend Everett Swanson in 1952, it offers child sponsorship programmes and a range of other activities that provide for the critical needs of vulnerable kids across the globe.

IWSO to play Medina Theatre this play

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) is set to return to the Medina Theatre in Newport this month for fans of classical music heading to the Isle of Wight.

Taking place on May 25th and getting underway from 19:15 BST, the show will feature performances of Benjamin Britten's Four Seasons, Mozart's Bassoon Concerto, the March & Scherzo from 'The Love of Three Oranges' by Sergei Prokofiev and Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier Suite.

Soloist Christina Marroni will be taking centre stage for arguably the highlight of the evening during the Bassoon Concerto.

It follows the recent recital of Elgar's Sea Pictures and a number of works by Dvorak by the IWSO at the theatre in March, while the orchestra will be returning again on July 13th with renditions of works from Weber, Ponchielli, Delibes, Bliss and the Emperor Waltzes by Strauss.

Admission to the upcoming event will cost £13.50 for adults and £6 for students, with all of the pieces to be led by renowned conductor Stephen Anthony Brown.

Tickets can be purchased from the Medina Theatre box office or alternatively by heading online.

Individuals keen for a more contemporary musical experience while visiting the island in the coming weeks might also like to check out the Shhh… It's a Library Music Tour, which will be taking place at Ventnor Library on May 29th.

It promises to be a great day out for all the family, with performances by acoustic folk duo Chris Quinton and Ben Johnson, as well as Floella Grace and friends and bluesy indie rock and roll group PhreakAudio.

Entry is free and the show will get underway from 18:00, with visitors also set to be offered a range of refreshments. Guests are however urged to donate to the library, with all proceeds raised to be put towards its upkeep.

Cycling fundraiser to be held next month

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 BST

Visitors to the Isle of Wight in June might like to lend their support to a worthy cause, with the 100 Here 100 There cycle event.

The Isle of Wight leg of this special fundraiser will be taking place on the 30th from 07:00 to 19:00 BST and will see locals and visitors alike helping to raise money for the opening of a new Wessex Cancer Trust cancer support centre in Newport.

Entry into the race will cost £25 for adults, £5 for 16 to 18-year-olds and £1 for under-16s, with this fee going towards helping the trust achieve its goal, as well as for the provision of refreshments for everyone taking part.

Mechanical assistance will be provided for racers on the day from Wight Mountain, with participants aiming to complete a 100-mile route around the island, followed by the successful traversing of 100 mountain peaks in ten days in northern France.

It promises to be a gruelling feat for entrants, but also one that will give a great amount back to the local community in return.

Indeed, the event's organisers have stated their aim lies in "bringing the community together to support Island cancer patients and their families in partnership with the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Wessex Cancer Trust, Seeds4Change and the Firefighters Charity".

Meanwhile, visitors heading to the island in the coming weeks might also like to check out the return of the 17th Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival, which will be taking place from May 31st to June 3rd.

It promises to offer attractions to entertain all the family, with live music to be provided by The Regular Joes, The Tootsie Rollers and Mr B - the Gentleman Rhymer. Other events being put on during the festival include a Surfin' Safari Night, a celebration of flowers and even a display of classic cars.