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Alan Titchmarsh to launch 10th Isle of Wight Walking Festival

The annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival kicks-off this Saturday, 3 May, in Newport with a brand new Island event called Riverfest - a fun day out for the whole family - plus an appearance by TV celebrity and new Island High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh, who will launch the walking festival at 12 midday.

Since it began in 1999, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival has grown to become the biggest event of its kind in the UK, attracting around 15,500 visitors from the UK and overseas as well as many local people. Now celebrating its 10th year, there are more than 265 guided walks to suit all ages and abilities - visit the website for full details: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Loads of entertainment at the Riverfest launch for the 10th Isle of Wight Walking Festival

Come to Newport's Town Quay on Saturday, 3 May, and celebrate the Island's rivers, their habitats and wildlife, industry and heritage on this family day out. The fun starts at 10am and runs throughout the day:

Programme:

10am Chalk and Sand - a six-mile walk around the historical town of Newport
10am to 1pm Dinghy Trips to the Medina Valley Centre, Newport.
11am Canoe Safari - telephone Medina Valley Centre ( 01983 522195) to book a place
11am to noon/ Badge making
1pm to 2pm
11am to 12.30pm Stilt Walkers' Workshop
11am to 3pm Mud Glorious Mud with the IW Estuaries Project.
11am to 3pm Various displays including; Walking Festival Marquee; Water Taste Testing in Southern Water Marquee; IW Wildlife Trust Wood Craft Activities; Heritage Displays in the Harbourmaster' office; Countryside Ranger Activities; Classic Boat Museum open; Big Green Footprint Pledge.
11.15am/12.30pm/ Joules and Dave - acoustic band
2pm
11.30am/12.45pm/ Drips Ahoy
2pm/3.15pm:
From 11.50am Ten Minute Tales
at various times
Noon Walking Festival Launch - Alan Titchmarsh, High Sheriff.
Noon to 1pm Make and Fire Water Rockets
From 12.15pm PS Monarch boat trips - is this the smallest paddle steamer in the world?
12.40pm/2.40pm Fire Show, by Matt Splatt
1pm to 2.30pm Stilt Walkers' Workshop
2pm Mill Trail Heritage Walk
2.30pm Professor H20
2.30pm Minibeast Safari
4.30pm Professor H20

Organised by the IW Council, the IW Walking Festival in partnership with the Ordnance Survey*, is sponsored by Red Funnel, Wightlink and Millets. Partners are the AONB project, Natural England, IW Tourism, Country Walking, English Heritage, National Trust, Green Island, IW County Press, Ramblers Association, IW Radio, Rights of Way, Walking the Way to Health and Southern Vectis

*Ordnance Survey - the official partner of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival - is a recognised expert in outdoor exploration. With a range of paper maps which can open up a world of adventure, allowing you to explore and enjoy the countryside on your doorstep. OS Explorer Map-Active maps (and many others) are available from the online map shop at www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk or to purchase from one of our 6 Tourist Information Centres whilst here - so let your adventure unfold...