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2010 NEW ISLE OF WIGHT ATTRACTIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS

With its clean sandy beaches, great sunshine record, quality visitor accommodation and family-friendly attractions, the Isle of Wight attracts around 2.5 millions visitors every year.

Outdoor events like the IW council organised walking festival in May and the cycling festival in September give visitors the opportunity to explore the Island’s beautiful landscape, while two huge music festivals – the Isle of Wight Festival in June and Bestival in September - have encouraged a new generation of visitors, earning the Island a ‘cool Britannia’ image.

Always evolving, there is always something new to see and do on this small holiday   island, and 2010 is no exception:

Gurnard Pines Gets Active  

New for 2010, Gurnard Pines in Cowes on the Isle of Wight is set to become one of Hoseasons five flagship parks around the country with the launch of ‘Go Active Breaks’.  This new development will provide visitors with an exciting selection of UK sporting activity breaks.  

"Gurnard Pines is committed to providing opportunities for our holidaymakers to have a more active holiday,” says Kevin Darvill, Sales and Marketing Manager at Gurnard Pines. “In support of the Change4Life movement, this new Go-Active Breaks programme will offer our customers the perfect environment to enjoy their favourite sport, kick off a new interest, or simply have fun and get active whilst on holiday.  The great range of activities on offer at Gurnard Pines will help our guests to make those small changes which lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle."

Set within 50 acres of private woodland and a short stroll from the beach, Go Active Breaks activities at Gurnard Pines include sailing and watersports, tennis coaching, swimming lessons in the 25m indoor pool, archery and fencing, high rope adventures and personal training.  For more information visit www.goactivebreaks.co.uk or www.hoseasons.co.uk

The Disappearing Village at Blackgang Chine

Cliff top gardens with fantasy attractions, Blackgang Chine is one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions and much loved by generations of British families holidaying on the Island. 

New for the start of the 2010 season, there will be a separate entrance to the theme park for adults to explore the mysterious past of this beautiful coastline.  This will give admission to a range of exhibitions and attractions including Wight Flight, a 70 seat large screen cinema experience flying around the Island’s coast, Timber World, a refurbished exhibition about country life on the Island 100 years ago as well as two quality shops, Chocolate Heaven selling a selection of yummy chocolate and Contraband, stocking a range of gifts to reflect the smuggling past of Blackgang. 

Adjacent to the ‘village’ entrance, the new Ship-Ashore tea-rooms will make an ideal stop for locally sourced refreshments for visitors touring the south part of the Island.

A modest admission fee to the village will give a real alternative for adults without children to consider Blackgang for a visit, whilst the usual good value family admission to the Chine will include all new attractions and features.  Blackgang Chine is open March – November with late opening during the summer (www.blackgangchine.com). 

Pink, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Blondie, Orbital and Squeeze are set to rock the Isle of Wight Festival 2010

The iconic Isle of Wight Festival, Friday 11 to Sunday 13 June, is back with a bang for 2010 as a host of international superstars including Jay-Z, The Strokes, Blondie, Pink, Orbital and Squeeze are set to descend on Seaclose Park in Newport, kicking off the festival season in true Isle of Wight style!

Now in the ninth year since its reincarnation, the Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in musical heritage and magical memories. The Festival is renowned for bringing in the biggest names as well as showcasing new and upcoming talent and this year will be no exception.

John Giddings, the Festival promoter, says “Ever since I heard the first Strokes album, I've wanted them for the Isle of Wight. Jay-Z and Pink are two of the best live acts I have ever seen and the Blondie hits speak for themselves. I can't wait!”

Tickets are now on sale and are available from the usual outlets:

www.ticketzone.co.uk  08444 99 99 55

www.redfunnel.co.uk/iwfestival  0844 844 9988

www.wightlink.co.uk/iowfestival  0871 376 1000 

Adult camping  £150 
Adult non-camping  £130 
Child camping  £75 
Child non-camping  £65 
This year all children 6 and under will be free of charge, but will still need to book in advance in order to receive a wristband.
Campervans  £250

Keep up to date with the festival at www.isleofwightfestival.com

Brian Blessed supports the Isle of Wight Walking Festival

The UK’s biggest walking festival returns in 2010 with one of the UK’s biggest personalities – Brian Blessed.

Brian Blessed, who recently caused a sensation when he chaired the BBCs satirical news show, Have I Got News for You, will be sharing his inspiring stories of ascending Mount Everest with visitors at a one-man show during the Isle of Wight Walking festival, which next year returns with more great themed walks than ever before.

The two-week walking festival is organised by the Isle of Wight Council and comprises over 300 walks aimed at participants of all ages and ability.  All walks are themed and celebrate the Island’s distinct landscape, history and culture making the event ideal for those who want to learn more about the holiday isle while keeping fit and healthy. 

An Evening with Brian Blessed will take place on Friday 21 May 2010 at Medina Theatre, Newport, Isle of Wight.  Tickets priced £17.50 (£15 Concessions) can be obtained by calling the theatre Box Office on 01983 527020, or book on-line at www.medinatheatre.co.uk

Further information about the Isle of Wight Walking Festival – 8 to 23 May 2010 - visit: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk