Home > News > 2010 > 4 > 16 > Archive >

RIVERFEST - A CELEBRATION OF RIVER AND COMMUNITY LIFE

The River Medina in Newport, Isle of Wight, has a long history, and once carried goods into the New Port, which served the Island’s capital - Carisbrooke. Today the river and its banks are important habitats for rare and interesting wildlife and a place for recreation and leisure.

RIVERFEST at Newport Quay on Saturday 15 May will celebrate the heritage, community, businesses and wildlife associated with this historic Isle of Wight river.

A great, free event for the whole family, there will be traditional Victorian funfair stalls, including a coconut shy, archery and swinging boats. The IW Council’s Play Rangers will be organising play activities with a watery theme.  The Medina Valley Centre’s Eco-Challenger will be on show – giving children the chance of making toys powered by the sun and seeing the fascinating creatures that lurk in the depths of the River. Estuary related fun for children of all ages will be on offer. 

The Wildlife Trust and the Council’s Countryside Rangers will be on hand to talk about the Island’s important habitats. The Trust is also arranging children’s activities with a green theme. Visitors will also have the opportunity of seeing a wood being worked in a traditional way on a medieval polelathe. 

PS Monarch, one of the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamers will be offering trips along the river, as well as other boats and crafts.  Island 2000’s ‘Gift To Nature’ scheme will be hosting two walks to celebrate the natural heritage of the Quay and the Medina and the partnership of organisations which created the Riverfest idea, the Newport Rivers group, will be running river activities and displays throughout the day. Wildlife enthusiasts will be showing the important creatures of the deep that frequent the river.

Local food and crafts will also be sale, including Isle of Wight beef burgers.  Riverside pub, the Bargeman’s Rest will be treating its patrons to a special Riverfeast to celebrate this year’s Riverfest. The Riverside Centre will also be open providing light snacks and liquid refreshments.

Watch out for the Wight Pirates – early 18^th Century Pirate and Smuggler re-enactors who will be invading the Riverfest!

Riverfest 2010 on Saturday 15^th May starts at 11am with a flotilla of boats at 12 noon.