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Discover the Highlights of the Isle of Wight this Autumn

Feeling glum with the departure of summer? Don't despair. There's a multitude of events and activities for visitors to enjoy this autumn, as well as free entry days at a range of Island attractions.

If you're searching for somewhere really special to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, then look no further. The candlelit opera at the Priory Bay Hotel promises to be a truly memorable evening, or head to the Anthony Minghella Theatre at Quay Arts, Newport, for a lively events programme that includes internationally recognised performers, acclaimed music artists and a sell-out comedy club. Visit www.quayarts.org for full details.

Ventnor is the place for jazz while at the Winter Gardens, also in Ventnor, an autumn programme of live music is planned: The Backbeat Beatles on Saturday 20 October, the legendary Spencer Davis on Friday 9 November and cockney lads, Chas & Dave, on Saturday 10 November. Call the Box Office on 01983 857581.

And finally, the Island's mild climate makes it especially good for country or coastal walking. Kick through the leaves - some of the large forests on the Isle of Wight such as Bouldnor, Firestone and Parkhurst - as well as the great estate at Osborne - offer good opportunities to see the delightful red squirrel - and have fun whilst discovering the highlights of the Island this autumn.

A programme of autumn walks is available from Island tourist information centres

Event: " The Blues Room" with Errol Linton's Blues Vibe
Date: Saturday 3rd November
Start: Doors Open at 7.30pm
Cost: £10 in advance or £12 on the door
Venue: The Venue, Ryde Theatre, Lind Street

Eclectic British blues, with swathes of reggae and a little jazziness adding extra dimensions, Errol Linton carries the legacy of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson into the twenty first century. www.errollinton.co.uk
Accompanied by double bass, guitar, piano and drums, Linton's blues is raw and bloody, an urban sound with rural roots.
Collectively the Blues Vibe have scored highly in the British Blues Connection polls, with Errol now receiving Blues Harp Player of the Year on three successive occasions.
This band is one of the most real,unprotentious down home blues bands around. If you like to boogie, this band is a must!

His latest album, "Roots Stew" shows Linton's song writing developing alongside the band's organic blues-reggae groove.
The album has quickly picked up some glowing reviews, and is currently being showcased wherever the band plays.

Airplay for the new album has included many BBC radio stations, and the album has been played in Spain, Germany, The USA and Japan
'You haven't lived till you've heard the dub version of Howlin' Wolf'......MOJO MAGAZINE

Plus support from The Amen Boogie Blues Band. Electric Chicago-style blues from the Medina Delta. www.myspace.com/amenboogiebluesband

For more deatils contact Ryde Theatre on 01983 568099 or www.rydetheatre.co.uk

Event: Candlelit Opera
Date: Saturday 17 November
Start: 7.30pm (arrivals from 6.30pm)
Cost: £80 per person including dinner
Venue: Priory Bay Hotel, St Helens, near Ryde
'A Night at the Opera' will be performed by Opera Box (the touring arm of Swansea City Opera). Why not stay overnight at this delightful country house hotel? Visit www.priorybay.co.uk for full details, or contact Danielle Ford or Angela Horton on 01983 613146.

Stop press....

From attractions and activities to travel and transport, the Official Winter pocket guide is a brilliant source of information. Available on board cross-Solent ferries early November.

For great places to visit this winter, the Official Winter Pocket Guide is a must - available now from outlets across the Island.