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Spend an Action packed August Bank Holiday on the Isle of Wight

Make the most of the extra day off this August Bank Holiday by taking an exciting break to the Isle of Wight. Whether a big kid or little kid there is plenty to see and do to make the most of the long weekend! This year the Island offers more choices than ever for the visitor with two exciting headline festivals as well as a variety of other attractions and events.

UIM Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea
Based at Cowes, the home of the world famous yachting regatta, the U.I.M Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the sea will headline the Cowes Powerboat Festival, a colourful international event taking place in August that will be contested by up to 80 of Europe's finest powerboats guaranteeing spectacular action and entertainment on and off the water.
Cowes has a rich nautical heritage and its ability to host major marine events is demonstrated each year when the Cowes Regatta and Powerboat Festival come to town and the public and competitors mingle in the pleasant surroundings of Cowes and take in the traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes that are a feature of this historical venue.
Date: 24th-26th August
Contact: www.powerboatp1.com

White Air (Extreme Sports Festival)
White Air is an international multi-sport festival: Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Surfing make up some of the extreme watersports events whilst disciplines such as Mountain Boarding, Skate and BMX ensure an action-packed programme on land as well as water. The event is based at the 'White Air' village on the seafront at Yaverland, near Sandown, on the Island's east coast.
Get the kids involved with the 'Have a Go' taster sessions (open to anyone aged eight and over) including free ocean kayak, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, Thundercat powerboat and kitesurfing sessions. For 2007, paragliding has been added giving you the opportunity to see the Island from the air. There will be chances to try the latest gear from various manufacturers as well as being taught by professionals.
Date: 27 August - 3 September
Tel. 01983 760553 www.whiteair.co.uk

Annual Steam Show at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
The 33rd Annual Steam Show. Four days of action and entertainment. Traditional fun
for families including fairground rides, clowns, Red Indian encampment plus a craft
marquee and vintage steam vehicles.

Date: 24-27 August
Tel. 01983 882204, www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Cowboy Town Shoot-outs
Frontier-land comes to life every Saturday as a western re-enactment team put the wild back into buffalo canyon! Shoot-outs, fast draw competitions & living history!

On this date: 25th August.
Tel. 01983 730052, www.blackgangchine.com

'Harry and the Owls' at Appuldurcombe House.
A very special event is 'Harry and the Owls' with a prize for every child in Wizard Costume who joins the parade to our Haunted House for spooky goings on.

Date: 25-27 August.
01983 852484 or www.appuldurcombe.co.uk

Grand Medieval Joust at Carisbrooke Castle
Watch in awe as our fearless knights collide at speeds of up to 60mph in this real life
battle of skills. Be amazed by the show of skill at arms as knights of horseback
practise for the joust by spearing cabbages and the straw man. Laugh at the fun and
antics of Peterkin the fool and join in the jester workshop. Discover how a knight is
armed by his squire and be entertained by music from the time. At 3pm each day the
grand medieval joust itself begins. Choose your favourite knight and cheer him on as
he comes face-to-face and lance-to-lance with his adversary.

Date: 25-27 August, 10am - 5pm
Tel. 01983 522107, www.english-heritage.org.uk