The Garlic Festival is a slightly quirky annual event which takes place in mid-August and is similar to a traditional county fair but with the addition of lots and lots of Garlic themed foods and Beer!
The event seems to be bigger and more popular each year, with plenty to keep all ages amused. The central events area stages all sorts of displays including marching bands, acrobatics and dog agility. There’s a large funfair with a selection of rides to entertain children and teenagers.
Opposite the main Beer tent, you’ll be treated to live music from a variety of performers. Relax on a haybale and enjoy a pint and a bite to eat from any one of dozens of food vendors nearby.
The festival also has a popular market stall selling a great selection of locally made items, including Jewellery, paintings, clothing and toys.
There’s plenty more entertainment around the festival, as you walk around you may bump into a stormtrooper or ewok from the local IOW Garrison. There’s also the Hogg Show, featuring some very intelligent and well-trained performing Pigs.
The festival takes place just outside of Arreton in the centre of the Island and is easily reached by Car or Bus with plenty of parking available in the adjoining field.
The absolute peak of the Festival season next year will no doubt (we’re slightly biased) be The Isle of Wight Festival, which returns to Seaclose Park in Newport again on Thursday 11th June for another 4 day weekend, filled with plenty of Music, Glitter, Wellies, Fancy Dress, silly Hats and multitude of different acts, from local to international artists. You won’t see a festival like this anywhere else!
The Isle of Wight Festival has a rich history dating back to 1968, and is famous for hosting one of the last performances by Jimi Hendrix in 1970. A Statue of Hendrix commemorates the event and can been seen at Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater, close to the original festival site at Afton Downs.
Whilst camping is a big part of the Festival experience, the idea of sleeping in a field with limited heating, washing and toilet facilities, isn’t everyone’s idea of a great time, so why get the best of both worlds and find a holiday cottage nearby. Having somewhere to be able to retreat to and recharge at the end of each day could make a huge difference to your festival experience.
We are currently offering short breaks of 3 or 4 nights with a late checkout on the Monday. We can also offer discounted car ferry travel with all bookings.
If you require and local advice on how best to get the most out of your festival weekend, please give us a call.
Cowes Week is the largest and arguably the most famous sailing regatta in the world, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators to the Coastal town of Cowes. The town is synonymous with sailing, and the rich nautical heritage can be seen throughout the area and along the seafront, which stretches from the end of the High Street, all the way to Gurnard and provides an excellent vantage point to watch the daily races.
The event runs for 8 Days (Saturday to Saturday) and normally takes place on the first week of August, but occasionally a little later in the month. If you’re not a fan of the racing, there’s always plenty to see and do on the shore, with daily schedule of entertainment taking place on the Parade and near the Marina.
Just above the town is the historic Northwood House, where each year the extensive lawns are transformed into an incredible event area, with multiple Bars, food stall and music. If you want to avoid the noisy crowded pubs in town and enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable day or evening, take a short walk up the hill and you won’t be disappointed.
To find out more about what’s happening during the week, take a look at the Cowes week website here.
This annual gathering of Scooter enthusiasts from all over the world has been occurring in Ryde on the Isle of Wight since 1981, with thousands of riders in attendance, it has become the largest scooter rally in the world, with the number of bikes often reaching up to 7000.
Most events and gatherings occur around Ryde, with the official staging point being Smallbrook Stadium on the outskirts of the town. If you’re on the Island during this event, expect your journeys by car to take a little longer than usual, and enjoy the scenery and the spectacle of unique, customised scooters from the last 50+ years… and also the smell of 2-stroke oil!
Ryde town centre is a popular area to join in the fun, with most local pubs organising their own live music events, in addition to the activities taking place on the seafront.
If you’re coming to the Rally and are looking for somewhere to stay, please give a call and we can advise of the best places to stay.
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival returns in Spring and Autumn 2024. The Spring Walking Festival will be from Saturday 11th May to Sunday 19th May and the Autumn Walking Festival will be from Saturday 5th October to Sunday 13th October.
An event for keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a friendly coming together in the great outdoors for all ages, offering a chance to meet new people, learn and discover the many wonders of the Wight.
With a plethora of routes on offer to suit all abilities, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is an inclusive event providing a guided tour through the Island’s varied landscape, thriving wildlife and rich heritage.
This friendly festival hosts a variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders. You’ll easily find a walk that suits you – whether you’re looking for a shorter stroll or a day long hike across the Island. There will be themed walks too.
Over half the Isle of Wight is an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the Island is a UNESCO Bisosphere Reserve. Add 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths and you’ll see why the Isle of Wight is the perfect place for a walking festival.
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is easy to get to, whether for a day or longer stay. The majority of walks are free, why not grab your gear and explore the Island.
Learn about the top attractions on the Isle of Wight
