Home > News > 2008 > 1 > 4 > Archive >

2008 - An Eventful Year for Visitors to the Isle of Wight

From Rock and Pop to Cycling and Surfing, the Isle of Wight has a fantastic range of events to entertain visitors in 2008.

The Isle of Wight Festival in June and Bestival in September sell out as soon as tickets are available - and no wonder with headline acts like The Police, the Kaiser Chiefs and the Sex Pistols already announced for 2008. The Jazz Festival in April is rated second only to Cheltenham Jazz while the Island's diverse landscape and coastline provides the setting for the adrenalin-fuelled Wight Air Extreme Sports Festival in September and the ever-popular Walking Festival which celebrates its tenth year in May.

One of the best things about the Isle of Wight is its location for sailors and they have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of its unique position. Visitors can find their sea legs with free 'Try Sailing' taster sessions available during Skandia Cowes Week in August, or just sit back and enjoy the ride as Europe's finest powerboats tear around the Island during the Powerboat Festival held August Bank Holiday.

11-13 April 2008
The Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival
Ventnor, the 'deep south' of the Isle of Wight
Dance the night away to a variety of jazz sounds that fill the tented, cliff top Jazz Village as well as pubs, restaurants and churches in the town.
Choose from major ticketed events, the Day Pass, or the 3-day 'Festival stroller' - under 12's Free
£prices start at £15.00 (adult) - see website for various deals available - free fringe marquee
www.iowjazzfestival.co.uk

3-18 May 2008
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Islandwide
An eclectic mix of 200 walks over 16 days, from official trails and photographic tours to spectacular scenic hikes and seaside story walks for the kids - plus the famous Isle of Wight speed-dating walk! To celebrate the 10th event, a special Wight Walking Weekend will take place in October.
£free
www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

30 May-1 June 2008
Yarmouth Old Gaffers
Yarmouth
Family entertainment as Yarmouth's picturesque harbour is filled with more than 100 visiting traditional sailing, steam and motor vessels, including the cream of the Old Gaffers fleet. On shore there will be a huge range of activities keeping the 20,000 plus expected visitors entertained from morning till night all weekend.
£free
www.yarmoutholdgaffersfestival.co.uk

13-15 June 2008
Isle of Wight Festival
Seaclose, Newport
Classic rockers The Police will headline on the Sunday night, making this their only UK festival of the year. The festival was reincarnated in 2002, with headliners including The Who, David Bowie, REM and Coldplay.
£130 (camping), £110 (non-camping), £65 (child camping) - note tickets for the festival go on general sales at 9am on December 10.
www.isleofwightfestival.com

28 June 2008
JP Morgan Fleming Round the Island Yacht Race
Cowes
2008 marks the 77th year of the annual race around the Isle of Wight which from its small beginning in 1931 with just 25 entries, has grown to see a record 1600 boats complete the 60-mile course. Whether you're taking part or are just interested in this unique spectacle, you'll find the Island's coastline offers several vantage points for spectators to view the yachts close at hand, especially around the Needles and along the south coast.
£free (spectators)
www.roundtheisland.org.uk

2 - 9 August 2008
Skandia Cowes Week
Cowes
This unique British sporting event, where men and women compete equally and where amateur sailors race against Olympic and World Champions, combines competitive racing with tremendous fun for the 8,500 competitors racing each day plus around 80,000 spectators who enjoy a fantastic line up of shoreside entertainment day and night..
£free (spectators) + free 'Try Sailing' - sign-up on Cowes Parade
www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk

August tbc 2008
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
Sandown to Newport road - the A3056 - at the Fighting Cocks Crossroads, near Newchurch
This major family show celebrates the Island's position as the UK's premier garlic growing region. As you would expect, there's lot of lovely garlic-flavoured produce, plus live music, spectacular acrobatic demonstrations, magic shows for the kids and much more.
£ to be confirmed
www.garlic-festival.co.uk

August tbc 2008
U.I.M Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea
Cowes
A colourful international event that will be contested by up to 80 of Europe's finest powerboats guaranteeing spectacular action and entertainment on and off the water.
£free to spectate
www.powerboatp1.com

5-7 September 2008
Bestival
Robin Hill, near Newport
This multi award-winning 3-day boutique music festival, curated by BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank, is a sure-fire best way to round off the summer festival season.
Cost £130 (adult weekend ticket), £65 (age 13 to 15 child weekend ticket).
www.bestival.net

13-21 September 2008
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
Islandwide
A fantastic way to see the most picturesque areas of the Island, including themed cycle rides for the whole family. For the super-fit, try 'Cycle the Wight', a 65 mile road route around the Island's spectacular coastline and 'The Hills Killer' a challenging orienteering ride set against the clock.
£FREE
www.sunseaandcycling.com

18-21 September 2008 (TBC)
White Air (Extreme Sports Festival)
The 'White Air' Village on the seafront at Yaverland, Sandown
Marvel as 500 competitors from 40 countries compete in 18 action sports. 'Have a Go' taster sessions are available to anyone aged eight and over in ocean kayak, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, Thundercat powerboat and kitesurfing. Try the latest gear from various manufacturers as well as being taught by professionals.
£tbc
www.whiteair.co.uk

19-21 September 2008
Isle of Wight Folk & Blues Festival
Ventnor
A great mix of folk, blues & rock music reminiscent of the late 60's. Childrens' craft and mini circus tent.
From £10 (adult 'Friday Rambler), under 12's free. Tickets on sale from January 2008.
www.iowfolkblues.co.uk