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IT'S ACTIVITY AUGUST ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

If you've no plans for the August Bank Holiday, Saturday 29th - Monday 31st August - the Isle of Wight has plenty of great events and activities to inspire you.

Events scheduled for this year's Bank Holiday weekend include a colourful carnival at Cowes, spooky days out at Carisbrooke Castle, staged battles between Robin Hood and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham at Robin Hill Countryside Park and Summer Madness, an outdoor music concert with Suggs and the band at Carisbrooke Castle Fields*.

In fact, with around 60 places to visit from fun parks with thrilling rides to animal and bird sanctuaries, 12 award-wining beaches including the Blue Flag resorts of Ventnor and Sandown, plus accommodation to suit every taste and purse, the Isle of Wight is the perfect location to kick-back and make the most of the long weekend.

Here are just a few reasons to visit the Isle of Wight over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Robin Hood visits Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park - 30/31 August

Robin Hood and his Merry Men can be seen at the park on August 30/31 as they battle the evil Sheriff of Nottingham to save Maid Marion. Lots of action around the park and watch out for the woodland ambushes too! In addition, two falconry displays can be seen at 11.30am and 2.45pm (both days/weather dependant), set against the stunning backdrop of the Arreton downs. Robin Hill is open daily, 10am to 6pm.
Cost: £8.50, under 4's free, concessions £6.50, Saver Ticket (4 persons) £31.00 - unlimited free return within 7 days. Tel. 01983 527352, www.robin-hill.com

Summer Madness at Carisbrooke Castle Fields - 30 August

Suggs and the band will be going One Step Beyond to entertain the crowds this Bank Holiday. Performing as part of their 30th Anniversary tour, Madness will be wowing the crowds with a spectacular array of hits, both old and new. Summer Madness is an outdoor music event taking place at Carisrbrooke Castle Fields gates open 3pm) on the last Bank Holiday Sunday of the year, August 30th. With many support acts performing throughout the day, include King Creole and the Coconuts, not to mention a range of bars, food outlets and stalls.
Cost: Tickets £35 (booking fee may apply), available from Box Office, 0871 2200 260, www.seetickets.com
or purchase in person from Island tourist information centres.
*Please note this event is subject to the granting of a licence.

Grand Donkey Days Out - 30/31 August

Two fundraising, family days out at the Island's donkey sanctuary, which provides a home for donkeys in need of care and attention. The entertainment includes live music, including Master of Ceremonies - 'Elvis', children's rides, Punch & Judy, a magician, craft and retail stalls, plus lots of local food stalls and a beer tent.
Cost: Adults £5, children (6-14) £3, children (5 & under) free. Senior Citizens £3, family ticket (2+2) £12.00, tickets available at the gate.
Tel. 01983 865554, www.iwdonkey-sanctuary.com

Search for dinosaurs - 31 August

With over 30 miles of 'Heritage Coastline', the Isle of Wight is famous for its amazing fossil discoveries; this two-hour fossil walk will give you the chance to see the enormous footcasts left behind 126 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the Island. Starts at 2pm at the National Trust gravel car-park, Brook Bay.
Cost: Adults £4, children (3 to 15) £2.40, family (2+2) £12.50, concessions £3.60, booking essential. Further trips are available at Sandown and Shanklin.
Tel. 01983 404344, dinosaurisle.co.uk

Last-minute accommodation offer - August/September

Throughout August and September, book a three-night or four-night break at The West Bay Club in Yarmouth, an exclusive self-catering resort with a new indoor swimming pool, badminton and tennis courts and Spa suite, and receive an extra night absolutely free, including the car ferry for up to 6 people from Portsmouth or Lymington with Wightlink Ferries. Prices are £410 for a one-bedroom studio, or £600 for a two-bedroom and £820 for a three-bedroom cottage. To take advantage of this offer, which includes the August Bank Holiday, telephone 01983 760355/info@westbayclub.co.uk, or visit www.westbayclub.co.uk, quoting 'Free Summer Nights'.
For more last-minute accommodation offers, visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk/accommodation.

Kids Go Free at National Trust properties - until 31 August

Free entry to children at participating National Trust properties including Bembridge Windmill with its recently installed working model and the Needles Battery, built as a coastal defence and used as secret rocket testing site in the 1960's. The delightful gardens at Mottistone Manor and Newtown Old Town Hall, once part of a thriving Island town, are also included in this offer. Offer is limited to a maximum of 2 children per paying adult.
Tel. 01983 741020, see website for terms & conditions, nationaltrust.org.uk/isleofwight

Carnival Island: Cowes (29 August), St Helens (31 August)
Throughout the summer, the island is centre stage for over a dozen carnivals and this August Bank Holiday, there are two for visitors to enjoy.
On Saturday 29 August, the famous yachting town of Cowes plays host to an illuminated procession with marching bands, carnival queens and floats decorated by local businesses and schools. The parade starts at 8.45pm and the route, through the town, is available from the website, www.cowescarnival.co.uk.

The coastal village of St Helens, near Ryde, is the setting for the second carnival of the weekend. Join in the celebrations held throughout St Helens - parade leaves the village green at 6.15pm.

The Isle of Wight Steam Show - 28-31 August

Expect the unexpected at this popular annual show, from sheepdogs herding geese and ducks to Medieval Knights proving that the age of chivalry is far from over. Climb aboard the traditional fairground rides and marvel at the beautifully maintained traction engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and old wagons. With steam train rides, stalls, country crafts, refreshments, and even a Red Indian encampment, the Island Steam Show will make your August Bank Holiday a weekend to remember.
Cost: Tickets for show only: Adults £8.50, children £4, family £21 (2+2). Tickets for Show and steam train rides: Adults £13, children £7, family £35 (2+2). For more details, call 01983 882204, or visit iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Spooky Days Out - 29-31 August

A spine-tingling day out at Carisbrooke Castle with terrifyingly fun activities for all the family, including a ghost tour led by spooky characters around the castle. You better keep your wits about you, as who knows what or who you will bump into! Castle opens 10am to 5pm.
Cost: Adults £6.70, children £3.40, concessions £5.70, family ticket £16.80. English Heritage Members free. Tel. 01983 522107, www.english-heritage.org.uk/carisbrooke

Kids Go Free on Wightlink ferries - August Bank Holiday

Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries is offering some great family ferry deals to the Isle of Wight. Visitors to southeastoffers.com can download as many vouchers as they like, allowing free ferry travel for kids under the age of 15. Two full fare paying adult foot passengers can take up to five children with them at no extra cost. The same offer is available for two full paying adults travelling by car. Booking in advance is highly recommended Visit www.wightlink.co.uk for more special deals included discounted tickets to the Island's top attractions.

FREE Entertainment and great summer fares from Red Funnel

This August Bank Holiday, enjoy free entertainment on board Red Funnel Ferries when a variety of musical acts will be performing on selected Southampton to East Cowes sailings, and the fun doesn't stop there! Kids can turn into tigers and come face to face with friendly creepy crawlies with free face painting and bug encounter experiences courtesy of the Isle of Wight Zoo. Tickets to the Zoo and many other top Island attractions can be purchased in advance from Red Funnel, with many available at a discount. Day return fares start at just £32, and short break fares are available for under £10 per person for a car and up to six passengers. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Visit www.redfunnel.co.uk or call 0844 844 9988 for more information.

For more events please visit our festival and events section or www.iwight.com for other things to do on the island please check out our places to visit and eating out section