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MARCH EVENTS

Whether you're a film-buff or a horse fancier, a bit of a Prima Donna or just fancy a good old St Patrick Day’s knees-up, this March the Isle of Wight is hosting a great selection of events for visitors to enjoy.  As usual, the Island’s Quay Arts centre is staging lots of live theatre events for kids – visit the website for full details (www.quayarts.org). 

Swan Lake (The Vienna Festival Ballet)  7 March

Medina Theatre, Newport  

One of the best known love stories, performed by the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet.  Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky make this a night not to be missed.  The performance starts at 5pm, tickets (£19.50, concessions £14.50) can be booked on-line at www.medinatheatre.co.uk

Minghella Film Festival  12-14 March

Cineworld and the Quay Arts Centre, Newport

The Minghella Film Festival on the Isle of Wight is a charitable event hosted by the Oscar-winning filmmaker's family, with the support of his friends and fans. This intimate festival features rare treasures from the archives of Minghella's work for television and radio, stretching back almost 30 years. Now in it's second year, the festival is also expanding to include short films from regional filmmakers as well as the UK premiere of The Be All and End All - the debut feature film from island resident, Bruce Webb.  For more information and a full programme of events, visit www.minghellafilmfestival.com

Baked Beans and Custard (Kids Theatre)  6 March  

Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts Quay Arts, Newport

Baked Beans and Custard is a one-hour show aimed at 5-10 years olds. Simply staged it contains magic, mime, music and participation.   It draws on all sorts of material and will include an element of pantomime in the programme whereby children get to know the origins and style. It has been performed in many International venues around the world from Shanghai to Manila as well as schools and venues around the UK. Chris Harris brings this fun-packed children's show to Quay Arts this season.

For eight years, Chris presented a children's programme called “Hey look that's me” for BBC TV .The programme was awarded a Royal Television Society award. He will be remembered by many children as the dame in the Bristol Old Vic and Bath theatre Royal pantomimes since 1992.

Performance starts at 3pm. Ticket price £6 (suitable for 5-10 year olds).  Box Office 01983 822490, www.quayarts.org

Also at Quay Arts, a St Patrick’s Day celebration on Wednesday 17 March.  Enjoy live Irish music and a delicious home-made meal which includes Blarney Soup, traditional Irish Stew and Irish coffee.  Places are limited and will be in demand so book your table by calling the Box Office on 01983 822490, or e-mail s.cole@quayarts.org.  

Isle of Wight Grand National  28 March

West Ashey Farm, Ryde

An annual equestrian competition, the IW Grand National comprises a series of amateur horse races over cross country, post and rail and natural hedges.  There are 5 classes with the final race being the Grand National over a course of natural fences.  The first race is at 12 noon and all visitors are welcome. Entry is £5 with children under 12 free.  There will be a bar and sweepstake with hot and cold food available.  For more information about this event, visit www.iw-scurry.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Grand National takes place at West Ashey Farm, Ryde, Isle of Wight. To get there from the Fishbourne ferry, turn left onto the A3054 towards Ryde. Take the first turning on the right down Pellhurst Road. At the end of Pellhurst Road turn right into Upton Road. At Upton Cross mini roundabout turn left into Carter's Road. At the end of Carter's Road turn right at the roundabout. Keep on that road for 1½ miles. West Ashey Farm is on the right.  The postcode for the course is PO33 4AX.

Alternatively, the Isle of Wight Stream Railway will be running trains to the event – visit their website for further information, including a full timetable of departures (www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk).  

For more Isle of Wight theatre and community events, visit www.iwight.com