Last year saw the inaugural Isle of Wight Day, brainchild of Robin Courage who was the Island’s High Sheriff at the time. Although no longer High Sheriff, Robin has decided to continue with Isle of Wight Day again this year and it’s set to be bigger and better than the first.
What is Isle of Wight Day?
“Isle of Wight Day is the Island’s very own “Red Nose Day”, when the whole community is encouraged to celebrate by covering the Island in bunting, hold an event, take part in an event or just enjoy the hundreds of events being held all over the Island.” – IsleOfWightDay.com
There are events planned across the Isle of Wight for the official Isle of Wight Day which this year is on Saturday the 23rd of September. You can find a complete list of events here but to give you a taster, there will be: tractor tours, free gym trials, art workshops, craft sessions, fossil walks, quiz nights, food festivals and not forgetting the official Isle of Wight Day Big Parade.
The Big Parade
The Isle of Wight Day Big Parade (right) consists of over 2,000 participants this year and will take place in Ryde (last year it was in Newport). The parade sets off at 1pm and is a chance for local businesses, schools and groups to showcase their talents in front of a local and national audience. To coincide with the parade, an all day party will be held at the Simeon Recreation ground from 10am until 10pm, it is free to enter and there will be food and drink stands there along with other stalls.
Island’s Got Talent
A new addition to the Isle of Wight Day celebrations for 2017 is Island’s Got Talent, which is being presented by Bestival. This is a talent show is for Isle of Wight participants and on Saturday twelve finalists will perform on stage in front of judges for a chance to win the Isle of Wight Day trophy and a slot to perform at 2018’s Bestival festival. The judges for the show will be Mark King, Anneka Rice and Rob da Bank and it will be compared by Isle of Wight Radio DJ Paul Topping. This event is ticketed at £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, all monies raised will go to the Isle of wight Day fund which is then awarded to various causes around the Island. The Island’s Got Talent will take place at Cowes Enterprise College this Saturday (23rd September) from 6.30pm.
Are you doing anything special for Isle of Wight Day? Share your plans and photos with us on Facebook and Twitter, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating this weekend.
