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Isle Of Wight Events, Festivals And Carnivals 2025
For a day to day guide to events, I would recommend the guide from On The Wight. However, here's my guide to the biggest events on the Isle of Wight that you may want to attend/avoid depending on the kind of holiday you are looking for.
There are sometimes special ferry discounts attached to major events, so check out our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel.
(Event organisers: please note, we only include events on this list that take place each year. The On The Wight guide mentioned earlier or Facebook events pages are your best bet for one off events).
There are sometimes special ferry discounts attached to major events, so check out our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel.
(Event organisers: please note, we only include events on this list that take place each year. The On The Wight guide mentioned earlier or Facebook events pages are your best bet for one off events).
Isle of Wight Story Festival, FEbruary
The Story Festival is a three day thing where children's authors give talks and read out bits from their books.
It's held in Newport at Quay Arts with the first evening aimed at teenagers. The next couple of days are aimed at under 12s and include puppets, dancing and so on.
It's one of the cheaper festivals around, with tickets costing about £4 - £6.
Previous guests have included Simon Farnaby, who co-wrote Wonka and Paddington 2 and was in the Detectorists and Horrible Histories.
It's held in Newport at Quay Arts with the first evening aimed at teenagers. The next couple of days are aimed at under 12s and include puppets, dancing and so on.
It's one of the cheaper festivals around, with tickets costing about £4 - £6.
Previous guests have included Simon Farnaby, who co-wrote Wonka and Paddington 2 and was in the Detectorists and Horrible Histories.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival and Walk The Wight, May and October
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival generally involves about 100 walks across a couple of weekends - one in the spring and another in the autumn. Most of the walks are free or some ask for a charity donation.
The biggest event is Walk the Wight, which is a fundraiser for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and usually involves 10,000 people getting sore feet.
Walk the Wight covers the Island in an East to West direction (26 miles) or you can just do half, with a stopping point in Carisbrooke.
The biggest event is Walk the Wight, which is a fundraiser for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and usually involves 10,000 people getting sore feet.
Walk the Wight covers the Island in an East to West direction (26 miles) or you can just do half, with a stopping point in Carisbrooke.
Walk the Wight follows a route up Tennyson Down near Freshwater Bay
Isle of Wight Randonnee, May
Two thousand bottom wigglers in lycra take part in the Isle of Wight Randonnee. There are two routes for cyclists to choose from - a 100km route, which is a circle of the entire Island (some coastal, some a bit more inland) or a 55km route, which passes through East Cowes, Bembridge and Newport. At the time of writing, it is free to take part.
It isn't a race, so if you're one of those people who gets excessively competitive over charades on Boxing Day then you might need to restrain yourself.
It isn't a race, so if you're one of those people who gets excessively competitive over charades on Boxing Day then you might need to restrain yourself.
Cowes Fringe, May
The Isle of Wight now has two fringe festivals - Ventnor in the summer and Cowes in the spring. When I was growing up, cultural indulgences usually required a trip on the ferry. Nowadays, you can't turn round on the Isle of Wight without someone belting out a rhyming couplet or inviting you to their experimental one-man-show.
Cowes Fringe began in 2023 and includes things like live music, talks, theatre and an adult acting workshop. I assume this one is giving advice for adults on how to do acting rather than a workshop on acting like an adult.
Cowes Fringe began in 2023 and includes things like live music, talks, theatre and an adult acting workshop. I assume this one is giving advice for adults on how to do acting rather than a workshop on acting like an adult.
Wolverton Folk and Blues Fair, May
This small one day festival started in 2011 and takes place at Wolverton Manor in Shorwell in the pretty West Wight. It's a charity event featuring local singers and bands who entertain people in folding camping chairs with the backdrop of the manor house.
Besides the music, there are usually things like children's activities, a real ale beer tent with its own acoustic stage, craft stalls, a tea tent and Morris dancing.
Besides the music, there are usually things like children's activities, a real ale beer tent with its own acoustic stage, craft stalls, a tea tent and Morris dancing.
Lots of folk at the folk festival
Riverfest, May
Riverfest is a free charity-run festival which aims to show off sustainable jollity around the River Medina. It's a family friendly day out and attracts about 4000 people, with a 'village fete' atmosphere according to the organisers - the Footprint Trust. There's no parking so you have to turn up on foot, cycle or bus (or pedalo, unicycle etc).
Riverfest takes place in Newport in May
Chillerton and Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival, May/June
I reckon that the best entries in scarecrow competitions fall into two categories.
The first is an accurate representation of a children's TV character or video game character. Super Mario was our favourite the last time we visited the Chillerton and Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival. The Gruffalo was a close second and Aladdin was our third choice.
The other type of entry is a satirical reference to something in the news, which provides a wry chuckle from parents on the trail. In that category, my favourite in 2022 was a scarecrow representation of a member of staff at Downing Street throwing up in a bucket on Wine Time Friday.
"What is that scarecrow doing?" asked my five year old. I masterfully dodged her question by ignoring it and then giving an unrelated three word slogan that revealed my underlying prejudices.
Whichever you prefer, you can see a fine selection in Chillerton and Gatcombe. Chillerton is a larger place, so there's more to see. On the downside, it's rural enough that there's not much pavement so you need to keep a close eye on children whilst chuckling at the entries.
The first is an accurate representation of a children's TV character or video game character. Super Mario was our favourite the last time we visited the Chillerton and Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival. The Gruffalo was a close second and Aladdin was our third choice.
The other type of entry is a satirical reference to something in the news, which provides a wry chuckle from parents on the trail. In that category, my favourite in 2022 was a scarecrow representation of a member of staff at Downing Street throwing up in a bucket on Wine Time Friday.
"What is that scarecrow doing?" asked my five year old. I masterfully dodged her question by ignoring it and then giving an unrelated three word slogan that revealed my underlying prejudices.
Whichever you prefer, you can see a fine selection in Chillerton and Gatcombe. Chillerton is a larger place, so there's more to see. On the downside, it's rural enough that there's not much pavement so you need to keep a close eye on children whilst chuckling at the entries.
Something for the kids at Chillerton and Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival...
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...and something for the grown ups
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Isle of Wight Festival of Running, May/June
A Festival of Running sounds about as much fun to me as a Festival of Amateur Dentistry. However, if I had to take part in one then the Isle of Wight would be a good choice for it. If you're more wholesome and healthy than me then I'm sure you'll love it.
The Isle of Wight has an outstanding choice of walking routes, which are presumably just as beautiful whilst huffing and puffing and looking at your FitBit.
There's a half marathon to the Needles, as well as 5km routes for normal people and 1km routes for children.
Gluttons for punishment may also want to join in with an Isle of Wight Parkrun on Saturdays.
The Isle of Wight has an outstanding choice of walking routes, which are presumably just as beautiful whilst huffing and puffing and looking at your FitBit.
There's a half marathon to the Needles, as well as 5km routes for normal people and 1km routes for children.
Gluttons for punishment may also want to join in with an Isle of Wight Parkrun on Saturdays.
Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend, usually Late May/early JUne
There are a mix of paid and free events at the Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend, which is run as a jazz-promoting extravaganza, rather than a corporate money maker. My jazz collection is made up of one Miles Davis CD so I'm perhaps not the best person to voice an opinion, but previous festivals included a 'Jazz Eucharist' at the Newport Minster, which sounds spectacular.
It used to be called the Newport Jazz Weekend, but it was renamed because of confusion with a festival in the USA.
It used to be called the Newport Jazz Weekend, but it was renamed because of confusion with a festival in the USA.
Isle of Wight Festival, June
The Isle of Wight Festival lasts for four days with the main acts on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday in early to mid June.
You can buy tickets at Ticketmaster or sign up for alerts.
The first three festivals took place in 1968, 1969 and 1970 when every musician and their dog turned up, including Jimi Hendrix, The Doors etc.
Estimates on crowd sizes for the 1970 event get bigger and bigger every year but I'm pretty sure that there are several hundred hippies that never left. You can see an exhibition about it at Dimbola Museum and Galleries.
The current festival, which restarted in 2002, is less muddy and grubby than some festivals - with options to upgrade to posh camping and an area just for kids. Headliners in recent years have included The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, The Killers, Robbie Williams and R.E.M.. Headliners in 2025 included Sting, Justin Timberland and Stereophonics.
It's held on Seaclose Park in Newport, whereas the 1970 festival was held near Freshwater. The 1968 and 1969 festivals were held around Godshill and Wootton.
If you've got nothing else to do, you can read our 10 unforgettable moments from 50 years of the Isle of Wight Festival or our massive list of Isle of Wight Festival performers over the years.
You can buy tickets at Ticketmaster or sign up for alerts.
The first three festivals took place in 1968, 1969 and 1970 when every musician and their dog turned up, including Jimi Hendrix, The Doors etc.
Estimates on crowd sizes for the 1970 event get bigger and bigger every year but I'm pretty sure that there are several hundred hippies that never left. You can see an exhibition about it at Dimbola Museum and Galleries.
The current festival, which restarted in 2002, is less muddy and grubby than some festivals - with options to upgrade to posh camping and an area just for kids. Headliners in recent years have included The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, The Killers, Robbie Williams and R.E.M.. Headliners in 2025 included Sting, Justin Timberland and Stereophonics.
It's held on Seaclose Park in Newport, whereas the 1970 festival was held near Freshwater. The 1968 and 1969 festivals were held around Godshill and Wootton.
If you've got nothing else to do, you can read our 10 unforgettable moments from 50 years of the Isle of Wight Festival or our massive list of Isle of Wight Festival performers over the years.
George Ezra at the Isle of Wight Festival 2023 (credit: IOW Festival)
Read our guide to lineup rumours, ticket news and other gossip about the Isle of Wight Festival 2025
Round The Island Race, June/July
I once competed in the Round the Island Yacht race and spent the entire eight hours emptying my stomach into the Solent.
It's worth watching from a safe distance though - the sight of 1500 yachts all circling the Island is pretty awesome.
But where is the best place to see the Round The Island race? According to the official website, the best spots are:
My mother recommends watching from Steephill Cove (near Ventnor - see the beaches map) although I think she may have been swayed by a nice teacake she was eating from one of the cafes down there.
You may also want to see our guide to the 15 best Isle of Wight car park viewpoints.
It's worth watching from a safe distance though - the sight of 1500 yachts all circling the Island is pretty awesome.
But where is the best place to see the Round The Island race? According to the official website, the best spots are:
- Cowes Yacht Haven (start/finish line, PO31 7QT).
- Sconce Point (Fort Victoria, PO41 0RR). There is free parking here. Hurrah!
- The Needles (PO39 0JD). You'll need to pay to use the main car park, but there are some money saving tips in our parking guide.
- Chilton Chine clifftop (on the military road, near Isle of Wight Pearl, which has a café). You can park for free here.
- St Catherine's Lighthouse (PO38 2NE). Not much parking, but you can park in the village and walk down.
- Ventnor. I would park on the esplanade at PO38 1JP and walk up the hill towards the Winter Gardens. See our cheap parking guide for a couple of suggestions.
- Bonchurch (Shore Road car park PO38 1RH). You have to pay to park here, but there are some free spaces further from the sea, if you don't mind walking.
- Culver Down (PO36 8QT). There's plenty of space and free parking here.
- Ryde Pier (PO33 2HF). You have to pay to park on the pier.
My mother recommends watching from Steephill Cove (near Ventnor - see the beaches map) although I think she may have been swayed by a nice teacake she was eating from one of the cafes down there.
You may also want to see our guide to the 15 best Isle of Wight car park viewpoints.
Yachts trying to avoid The Needles, whilst also trying to get a good look at them
Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, June
The Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival is a new one, which started in 2024 and plans to become a regular thing.
For anyone taking notes, a 'biosphere' is somewhere that the United Nations has decided is probably quite nice for wildlife and shouldn't be turned into a giant industrial estate (my paraphrase).
There are lots of wholesome things over two days including 'nature and art walks', craft events, open days at lovely green places and live music.
For anyone taking notes, a 'biosphere' is somewhere that the United Nations has decided is probably quite nice for wildlife and shouldn't be turned into a giant industrial estate (my paraphrase).
There are lots of wholesome things over two days including 'nature and art walks', craft events, open days at lovely green places and live music.
Isle of Wight County Show, June
The Isle of Wight County Show is described as a 'traditional' show with such larking as dogs jumping over things, sheep wearing rosettes and farmers showing off their prize tractors. It takes place on the County Showground in Northwood (heading towards Cowes) and is a one day event.
The Big Beach Weekender, July
This was a new event for 2024, which morphed out of the Woodland Sessions that were held at Robin Hill.
Anyway, you don't really need to know the back story.
The idea is to get comedians and dance artists and stick them on the beach at Ryde for a couple of days. It's a terrific idea, assuming that the weather performs as it should.
Acts in 2024 included Dylan Moran and Hal Cruttendon.
Anyway, you don't really need to know the back story.
The idea is to get comedians and dance artists and stick them on the beach at Ryde for a couple of days. It's a terrific idea, assuming that the weather performs as it should.
Acts in 2024 included Dylan Moran and Hal Cruttendon.
Cowes Classics Week, July
Cowes Classics Week is the nostalgic cousin of the more famous Cowes Week in August. It feature lots of old yachts that race against each other as well as a classic car festival. The first one was held in 2008 and it attracts 100+ competitors.
There are plenty of socials for those of us who don't fancy racing around one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in a floating antique.
The main free attraction for non-sailors is Cowes Classics Day, which is held on the Sunday at the start of the week. You can wander along the seafront in Cowes and admire classic cars and boats, before voting on your favourite.
There are plenty of socials for those of us who don't fancy racing around one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in a floating antique.
The main free attraction for non-sailors is Cowes Classics Day, which is held on the Sunday at the start of the week. You can wander along the seafront in Cowes and admire classic cars and boats, before voting on your favourite.
Owners of convertibles at Cowes Classics Day can be seen checking the weather forecast every five minutes
Wight Wave Beach Fest, July
Wight Wave Beach Fest is held over several days and includes such things as Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis, Beach Rugby and Beach Billiards (Ed: might need to double check that last one).
As well as the festival, there are also community events throughout the warmer months, which are publicised via their Facebook page.
As well as the festival, there are also community events throughout the warmer months, which are publicised via their Facebook page.
Island Highland Gathering, July/August
If you set off on holiday hoping to experience Scottish culture but ended up on the Isle of Wight then you may have a problem with your sat nav. Luckily, the Isle of Wight hosts a slightly random celebration of Scottishness complete with bagpipes, caber tossing and tug of war.
National Trust Sandcastle Building Competitions, July and August
In the last few years, the National Trust on the Isle of Wight has hosted sandcastle competitions at Compton Bay and Yaverland in July and August. The one we attended had two competitions to enter - one involving sand sculptures (mermaids, dinosaurs, lions etc - rude shapes are frowned upon apparently...) and another where competitors had to build the most resilient castle that could cope with the oncoming tide. The last flag still standing was the winner.
Levels of competitiveness ranged from parents who were just relieved that the children were being kept busy for an hour, through to a team of 10 who brought garden sized shovels and had a foreman telling the team of labourers where to pile the sand.
The Isle of Wight National Trust Facebook page is a good place to start if you are interested.
Levels of competitiveness ranged from parents who were just relieved that the children were being kept busy for an hour, through to a team of 10 who brought garden sized shovels and had a foreman telling the team of labourers where to pile the sand.
The Isle of Wight National Trust Facebook page is a good place to start if you are interested.
Sandcastle builders wait anxiously for the oncoming tide
Ventnor Fringe, Late July
VFringe was started in 2010 by a group of teenagers and showcases an eclectic mix of musicians, writers, comedians, poets and the like. Anyone can apply to put on a performance, with launderettes being turned into gig venues and so on.
It's organised by Ventnor Exchange which is a 'creative hub combining a 50 seat studio theatre, record store and bar'. It's the kind of place that much cooler people than me hang out.
It's organised by Ventnor Exchange which is a 'creative hub combining a 50 seat studio theatre, record store and bar'. It's the kind of place that much cooler people than me hang out.
Ventnor embraces its unofficial slogan: "Keep Ventnor Weird"
Isle of Wight Carnivals and Mardi Gras, June, July and August
Isle of Wighters love a good carnival - some of them have been going since Queen Victoria was living on the Island, though history doesn't record whether or not she sat on the back of a tractor-drawn-trailer surrounded by lightbulbs.
Some of the parades are illuminated, some are 'children's carnivals' and some are just your bog standard selection of people wearing silly costumes.
There are carnivals in Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, Yarmouth and St Helen's. Ryde is probably the most famous one and is apparently the UK's oldest. Cowes has previously had a carnival, but it hasn't run recently.
On the last Saturday in June there is the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, which follows a different theme each year and tells a story through the parade. My mum says it's good - you won't get a greater endorsement than that.
See our carnival guide for route maps of Isle of Wight carnivals.
Some of the parades are illuminated, some are 'children's carnivals' and some are just your bog standard selection of people wearing silly costumes.
There are carnivals in Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, Yarmouth and St Helen's. Ryde is probably the most famous one and is apparently the UK's oldest. Cowes has previously had a carnival, but it hasn't run recently.
On the last Saturday in June there is the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, which follows a different theme each year and tells a story through the parade. My mum says it's good - you won't get a greater endorsement than that.
See our carnival guide for route maps of Isle of Wight carnivals.
Ventnor Carnival on a summer's evening in 2022
Chale Show, August
I can’t help but think of Father Ted and Alan Partridge when I see fluorescent posters in hedgerows advertising village shows. Chale Show isn’t exactly the Bath & West, but it is pretty big with a crowd of more than 10,000 over two days. Expect to see giant marrows, arts and crafts, farmers selling cheese, marching bands, magic, dogs running around… you get the idea.
Lots of lovely leeks at Chale Show
Jack Up Events, Various dates
The 'Jack Up' series of events on the Isle of Wight have changed a bit over the last decade. The general idea has been to reminisce about the days when music was bought from shops and homework had to be completed by visiting an actual library.
It started off as Jack Up The 80s, featuring a selection of people who had terrible hair 40 years ago. It then turned into Jack Up The Summer and raised money for local charities. Festival attendees danced along to the likes of 911 and Heather Small.
As I write this, it has turned into a series of events throughout the year, plus a Jack Up Summer Party, which is on a smaller scale to the previous festival.
It started off as Jack Up The 80s, featuring a selection of people who had terrible hair 40 years ago. It then turned into Jack Up The Summer and raised money for local charities. Festival attendees danced along to the likes of 911 and Heather Small.
As I write this, it has turned into a series of events throughout the year, plus a Jack Up Summer Party, which is on a smaller scale to the previous festival.
"Put your hands in the air if you owned leg warmers!"
The Wight Proms, August
The Wight Proms has slowly grown into one of the bigger summer festivals on the Isle of Wight. It's held in the grounds of Northwood House in Cowes, which is a pleasant place to spend a summer evening.
The festival spans over several days with each night offering a different puntastic event (Last Wight of The Proms, Wight At The Musicals etc.). You can either come along for one night, or buy tickets for a few different nights.
It's attracted some big names in recent years, including Lesley Garrett and Russell Watson. There's also a kids' show and a comedy night.
The festival spans over several days with each night offering a different puntastic event (Last Wight of The Proms, Wight At The Musicals etc.). You can either come along for one night, or buy tickets for a few different nights.
It's attracted some big names in recent years, including Lesley Garrett and Russell Watson. There's also a kids' show and a comedy night.
Jai McDowell at Wight Proms 2022
Jousting at Carisbrooke Castle, August
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It's not exactly a festival or carnival but jousting knights turn up at Carisbrooke Castle every August.
Last time I visited, I asked one of them "Are you working, knights?".
"No, just 9-5" he replied (Ed: oh please...).
Osborne House also hold summertime events, usually involving Punch & Judy on the beach fighting over sausages. Sorry if that was a spoiler.
Last time I visited, I asked one of them "Are you working, knights?".
"No, just 9-5" he replied (Ed: oh please...).
Osborne House also hold summertime events, usually involving Punch & Judy on the beach fighting over sausages. Sorry if that was a spoiler.
Carisbrooke Castle hosts jousting in the summer
Pier to pier swim, August
Shanklin's Pier finally disappeared in the early 1990s after being badly damaged by the great storm of 1987 but that hasn't stopped the traditional swim across from Sandown Pier. About 100 people take part each year with the winner taking about half an hour to complete the journey. I can confidently say that I could swim a full length in an Olympic sized swimming pool in that time. You need to register to take part.
St Helen's Fort Walk, usually August
Every year, when the tide is at its lowest, hundreds of people attempt to walk from the east coast of the Isle of Wight (around St Helens) towards one of the Victorian era forts that sits in the Solent. The event doesn't have an official organiser, seemingly as no-one wants to be blamed or sued.
There are no risk assessments, chemical toilets, wristbands, tickets, terms and conditions or other such things which events now require. The date varies and now tends to spread by social media. Needless to say, there are some dangers attached to wandering out into the middle of the Solent...so don't blame us if you take part.
There are no risk assessments, chemical toilets, wristbands, tickets, terms and conditions or other such things which events now require. The date varies and now tends to spread by social media. Needless to say, there are some dangers attached to wandering out into the middle of the Solent...so don't blame us if you take part.
Cowes Week, early August
The World's Largest Sailing Regatta is a chance for people with yachts to race/show off/buy deck shoes, and is a chance for people who don't own a yacht to people watch/drink/listen to music.
It's been going since 1826 and transforms a fairly quiet town into a heaving party town for a week. It also coincides with accommodation prices jumping up a bit. Ferry prices can also increase, but there are special deals and other ways to make the ferry cheaper. The Friday night fireworks were a highlight for me, but they haven't run for the last few years.
Read our Cowes Week guide for advice on where to stay without bankrupting yourself or our selection of places to stay in Cowes.
It's been going since 1826 and transforms a fairly quiet town into a heaving party town for a week. It also coincides with accommodation prices jumping up a bit. Ferry prices can also increase, but there are special deals and other ways to make the ferry cheaper. The Friday night fireworks were a highlight for me, but they haven't run for the last few years.
Read our Cowes Week guide for advice on where to stay without bankrupting yourself or our selection of places to stay in Cowes.
Cowes Week is a good week for the company who make Pimms
Garlic Festival, mid August
Ever wondered what Garlic flavoured ice cream tastes like? No, me neither. Anyway, the Isle of Wight is brimming with Garlic, to the extent that some villages seem to smell of it. It's only natural then to create a Garlic Festival.
It's actually pretty big now with some reports saying that it attracts 25,000 people over two days for live music as well as things like dog agility, magic shows and cooking demonstrations. There are also loads of stalls selling local produce.
It's actually pretty big now with some reports saying that it attracts 25,000 people over two days for live music as well as things like dog agility, magic shows and cooking demonstrations. There are also loads of stalls selling local produce.
Regattas, August
Several seaside towns and village host regattas during the summer. They are based around the water, but you don't need to own a yacht or a pair of red trousers to turn up and enjoy the ambience.
- Seaview's Regatta isn't quite on the same scale as Cowes Week but it's a friendly three days of waterside events. You can expect rowing, sailing races, tug of war, diving off the slipway and a competition where you have to climb a greasy pole. There are usually fireworks on the last night. It's been going since the 1850s.
- Shanklin Regatta has been going for more than 170 years. In recent years it has involved a fireworks display, lots of stalls selling things and sports on the beach such as a tug of war.
- Sandown Regatta is similarly long-established. Recent regattas have included magic shows, Punch and Judy arguing about sausages, live music and fireworks. It is linked with Sandown's Carnival. Read our blog about Sandown Regatta 2024.
Punch and Judy fighting over sausages at Sandown Regatta 2024
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, late August
If you're a fan of excessive wing mirrors and headlights then you will love the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally. According to one website it is the 'world’s biggest gathering of vintage and modern scooters' although I have no idea if that's actually true. It generally gathers around Ryde and is organised by VFM.
Island Steam Show, late August
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet hosts this annual steam-fest that attracts several thousand people over a long weekend. It usually involves racing ducks, lots of old vehicles owned by proud men in boiler suits, fairground rides, arena shows (quad bikers jumping through fire - that sort of thing), live music, real ale bars and so on.
Enjoy a steamy weekend in Havenstreet
Isle of Wight Jigsaw Festival, August
I know what you're thinking.
You're expecting me to make some snide remark or poor-quality pun about the Isle of Wight Jigsaw Festival, which takes place at St James' Church in East Cowes in August.
Well buster, I won't do it. I'll leave it to you to suggest that you were in pieces when you heard about it or ask whether a picture of kittens or a landscape of Salisbury will be headlining this year.
You lot need to grow up, honestly.
You're expecting me to make some snide remark or poor-quality pun about the Isle of Wight Jigsaw Festival, which takes place at St James' Church in East Cowes in August.
Well buster, I won't do it. I'll leave it to you to suggest that you were in pieces when you heard about it or ask whether a picture of kittens or a landscape of Salisbury will be headlining this year.
You lot need to grow up, honestly.
Isle of Wight Day, September
Despite the name, Isle of Wight Day is actually a weekend of shenanigans, which started in 2016 thanks in part to the efforts of the Island's High Sheriff at the time (and others I'm sure).
The general idea is to cover the Isle of Wight in bunting and put on an event which celebrates the Island. In the last couple of years it has been a family fun day held at one of the Island's larger attractions.
Previous years have included a parade, a yachting relay, a songs of praise event, discounted entry to some attractions and schoolchildren creating a human image of the Island.
Isle of Wight Day didn't happen in 2024, so I'm not completely sure what's planned for the future.
The general idea is to cover the Isle of Wight in bunting and put on an event which celebrates the Island. In the last couple of years it has been a family fun day held at one of the Island's larger attractions.
Previous years have included a parade, a yachting relay, a songs of praise event, discounted entry to some attractions and schoolchildren creating a human image of the Island.
Isle of Wight Day didn't happen in 2024, so I'm not completely sure what's planned for the future.
Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint, September
For many years, Sandown has been known as the 'Monaco of the Isle of Wight' thanks to its status as a principality and tax haven status.
Well, none of that is technically accurate but it is true that it is home to the Isle of Wight's street car racing competition so perhaps the Monaco comparisons will soon take off. The roads are closed off and about 100 cars race along the seafront against the backdrop of Bembridge Down.
Well, none of that is technically accurate but it is true that it is home to the Isle of Wight's street car racing competition so perhaps the Monaco comparisons will soon take off. The roads are closed off and about 100 cars race along the seafront against the backdrop of Bembridge Down.
The Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint has the backdrop of Culver Down
Wolverton Manor Garden Fair, September
Wolverton Manor Garden Fair is a mix of gardening related stalls and family friendly entertainment.
So, you can pick up a petunia before admiring classic cars, marvelling at some magic and tapping your foot to some Elizabethan dancing.
It raises money for charity too, so there's really no excuse.
So, you can pick up a petunia before admiring classic cars, marvelling at some magic and tapping your foot to some Elizabethan dancing.
It raises money for charity too, so there's really no excuse.
Mind your manors at Wolverton's Garden Fair
the Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show, September
This event is a bit like the Reading and Leeds Festivals, in that it takes place in two venues over a weekend. Unlike Reading and Leeds though, you won't find teenagers urinating on your tent or setting fire to the campsite. Well, that was my experience of Leeds in 2002. I'm sure things have changed.
No, this event is a far more civilised weekend where proud car owners show off their vehicles in pleasant riverside and seaside locations in Newport and Ryde.
No, this event is a far more civilised weekend where proud car owners show off their vehicles in pleasant riverside and seaside locations in Newport and Ryde.
Isle of Wight Marathon, October
The Isle of Wight Marathon is an oddity, as I’ve never really noticed it getting a great deal of attention but it is apparently the longest running (pun intended, as always) marathon in the UK – so you’d expect it to be world famous. The route changed recently, but at the time of writing it follows a route from Cowes to Freshwater and back.
According to the website, the "first sub 3:30:00 women’s marathon record" was set during the 1964 race.
According to the website, the "first sub 3:30:00 women’s marathon record" was set during the 1964 race.
Isle of Wight Literary Festival, October
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival attracts some decent names in the world of publishing. Recent speakers included Alan Titchmarsh, John Suchet, Sally Magnusson and Peter Snow. Oh, and Katie Price turned up once too.
Tapnell Farm Pumpkin Festival, October
There are various places where you can pick a pumpkin on the Isle of Wight. However, Tapnell Farm turns it into more of an event, with carving tables, live music and hook-a-pumpkin type fairground games.
I have an antipathy of taking children to scary Halloween stuff, but this was very tame and enjoyable when we visited. I particularly enjoyed throwing an axe at a pumpkin.
I have an antipathy of taking children to scary Halloween stuff, but this was very tame and enjoyable when we visited. I particularly enjoyed throwing an axe at a pumpkin.
Our efforts from the Tapnell Farm Pumpkin Festival
The Christmas Tree Festival, December (surprisingly)
The Christmas Tree Festival in Brighstone and Mottistone has been going for more than 20 years and has grown at the rate of, well, a conifer. It is free to attend and you can find the trees at various venues around the West Wight.
See our full guide to visiting the Isle of Wight at Christmas.
See our full guide to visiting the Isle of Wight at Christmas.
Santa Specials at Isle of Wight Steam Railway, December
Alpacas and donkeys take the place of reindeers for the Santa Specials at Havenstreet. I'll admit that's a slight stretch on the usual tradition, but you'll be compensated with a ride on a steam train, a mince pie for adults and a present from Father Christmas for children.
Light Up The Wight Christmas Decorations Tour
There aren't many reasons why you would want to sit on an open top bus in December.
However, the Isle of Wight's annual bus tour of heavily decorated houses is remarkably popular and often sells out quicker than Glastonbury (Ed: a slight exaggeration perhaps?). The bus tour usually visits more than 30 different houses whilst blasting out Christmas music onboard a decorated bus.
The warmer and cheaper alternative is to pinch the map off the website and drive round a few of them yourself. Take a few pennies to put in the charity boxes along the way.
However, the Isle of Wight's annual bus tour of heavily decorated houses is remarkably popular and often sells out quicker than Glastonbury (Ed: a slight exaggeration perhaps?). The bus tour usually visits more than 30 different houses whilst blasting out Christmas music onboard a decorated bus.
The warmer and cheaper alternative is to pinch the map off the website and drive round a few of them yourself. Take a few pennies to put in the charity boxes along the way.
Ventnor Boxing Day Swim
Boxing Day swims always look more appealing in photos than they do in real life. As previously discussed, I think swimming in the sea is acceptable with a wetsuit from Easter until September. Anything beyond that just seems unnecessary.
Ventnor hosts the Isle of Wight's biggest Boxing Day Swim.
Ventnor hosts the Isle of Wight's biggest Boxing Day Swim.
