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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER?

From winters walks and talks to a fantastic line-up of live music, including the 40^th anniversary tour of electric folk band Steeleye Span, there are plenty of excuses to get out and about on the Isle of Wight this November. 

A new History Trail traces the history of Wight from its birth in prehistoric times to the present day – and includes dinosaurs, Romans, smugglers, medieval knights and imprisoned royals, inventors, rock heroes and rocket men. 

There are 33 stops on the History Trail which stretch right around the Island, so you can either concentrate your energies in the area you are staying, or explore some of the towns and villages that attracted a range of eminent characters.  These include Charles Dickens who wrote part of David Copperfield while staying in Bonchurch and Marconi who made the first long-distance wireless telegram from Alum Bay.  

The Wight History Trail can be downloaded from www.wightlink.co.uk/files/historytrail.pdf, or you can order a copy of the brochure from www.wightlink.co.uk/contact-us.aspx

Sandown Lantern Parade – 5 November

A carnival parade around the seaside town of Sandown featuring music, floats, magnificent costumes and lanterns, all lit with thousands of lights and finishing with a spectacular firework finale.  The colourful procession starts at 6.30pm with fireworks at 8pm.  More information, including the carnival route, can be found at www.sandowncarnival.com  For more community events taking place in November, visit www.iwight.com

Anne Frank exhibition:  A History for Today – 2-13 November

A new exhibition at Brading Roman Villa – Anne Frank: A History for Today – begins on 2 November and runs until 13 November (open 4pm to 6pm). Please note this exhibition is suitable for adults and children aged 10+, admission £2.50 per person.  For more information, telephone. 01983 406223 (www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk).

Wight Lore:  The St Helens walk - Saturday 21 November

Discover the origins of St Helens (near Ryde) and its dramatic religious past.  Hear the legends, ghostly tales and superstitions associated with the old Duver church and the incredible story of the notorious Sophie Dawes on this 6.5 mile/5 hour coastal and country ramble.  Meet at The Vine Inn, St Helens Green, near Ryde (lunch optional) at 10.30am.  For more information, telephone Adrian Searle on 01983 615636.  More Wight Winter Walks can be found at www.iwight.com/walks.

Museum study days at Carisbrooke Castle: Saturdays, 14 & 28 November 

Museum study days are arranged to give local people opportunities to find out more about the museum and its collections  

Island stage and mail coaches (14 November)

A talk by Island historian, Roy Brinton, illustrated with some items from the museum collections.  Session from 10.30am to 1pm, tickets £5.  For further details and to book a place, call 01983 523112, or e-mail  chris.carismus@tiscali.co.uk.

Childhood Treasures: A look at toys in the museum collections (28 November)

Find out about the museum’s toy collection and see some demonstrated.  Plus the chance to view the winter toy exhibition.  Session from 10.30am-1pm, tickets £5.  For further details and to book a place, call 01983 523112, or e-mail  chris.carismus@tiscali.co.uk.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIALas places are limited.  The charge includes admission to Carisbrooke Castle. www.english-heritage.org.uk/isleofwight

Quay Arts events  

Robert Mitchell Trio – 6 November  

In 2009 the trio have played widely throughout the UK, appeared at the Cheltenham Festival (broadcast on BBC Radio, Jazz on 3) and played Netherlands and the 10^th Festival Culturel Europeen in Algiers.  They will play the London Jazz Festival again this year, opening for Branford Marsalis.  Doors open 7pm, tickets £10. 

Brass Jaw - 13 November

This critically-acclaimed saxophone quartet have toured extensively since their debut album BURN (2005) and received a four star review in The Scotsman.  They have played live on BBC Radio Scotland as well as appearing at numerous international jazz festivals.  See them at the Island’s Jazz Café which includes the option of dining.  Bar and menu from 6.30pm onwards.  Tickets (Jazz Café) £10. 

Alex Roberts - 20 November

Following his masterful performance at the 2008 Isle of Wight Festival, this talented British folk singer-songwriter returns to the Island for a night of unique guitar playing and lyrical musings.  Doors open 7pm, ticket price £7.

Box Office 01983 822490, www.quayarts.org

Steeleye Span 40^th Anniversary World Tour – 26 November

This British electric folk band formed in 1969 and remains active today.  Along with Fairport Convention, they are amongst the best known acts of the British folk revival, and were among the most commercially successful thanks to their hit singles “Gaudete” and “All Around My Hat”.  They had 3 top 40 albums and achieved a certified ‘gold’ record with sales of ‘All Around My Hat”.  

See them at Medina Theatre on the Isle of Wight as part of their 40^th anniversary tour.   Tickets: All £19.50, book online at www.medinatheatre.co.uk