Fun in the sun on the Isle of Wight
Tuesday, 18 Jul 2006 11:00
Fireworks over The Needles will take place every Thursday in August (photo: Isle of Wight Tourism)
As Britain basks in glorious sunshine home-grown holiday destinations such as the Isle of Wight come into their own.
Its proximity to the UK mainland – there are up to 350 ferries a day making the short hop across the Solent – means it is easy to get to, yet it retains a character all of its own.
The Isle of Wight has always been a family-oriented destination and this summer promises to be no different.
For one week every year the sailing fraternity turns the north-coast town of Cowes into a hive of boating activity.
Cowes Week, which celebrates its 180th anniversary when it gets underway on July 29th, is a festival of fun for both competitors and spectators alike.
For the kids (aged eight and over), UKSA is providing free one hour sailing lessons, while on August 4th there will be a spectacular fireworks display.
A fireworks display will also be taking place every Thursday night over
The Needles throughout August.
Younger children will enjoy a trip to the
Isle of Wight steam railway for the Day Out with Thomas.
Between July 28th and August 1st Thomas the Tank Engine and friends can be seen moving around Havenstreet Station, bringing to life the famous books by the Rev WV Awdry.
For a more educational experience, head to Carisbrooke Castle between August 1st and 11th. Take part in the
Tudor Trail and attempt to find Henry VIII and his six wives, uncovering the grisly truth behind the deaths of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard on the way.
From castles to sandcastles, the Shanklin Town Regatta – taking place from August 13th to 16th - will involve sandcastle competitions, a tug of war and sack races.
On August 19th and 20th, there will be an opportunity to sample the island's famous garlic ice cream at the
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, which will also be hosting shows, markets and trade stalls.
Summer on the island concludes in colourful style with the
Ryde carnival on August 31st, which will feature over 2,000 performers and is expected to draw 50,000 spectators.
For information on the Isle of Wight's other attractions, go to:
www.islandbreaks.co.uk
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