An amazing Isle of Wight Day
“ Isle of Wight Day 2017 surpassed all expectations. There was a tangible buzz throughout the Island and an air of celebration wherever I you went. Thank you wonderful Islanders, you truly entered into the spirit of the day and of course the sun shone down on us all. Now prepare for Isle of Wight Day 2018 which will be bigger and better than ever before! ”
Robin Courage
#IOWDay2018
Coastline Clean-Up
The third Isle of Wight Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 22nd will see the UK’s longest ever coastline clean-up to rid the Island’s beautiful beaches of unwanted plastic waste that the seas have dumped there. This huge environmental operation will be the main focus for the weekend of September 22nd and 23rd.
Leading this initiative will be Nipper, a giant 7ft high crab mascot (with pincers to pick up plastic waste) who will be appearing at all the Island’s major events throughout the summer. Nipper will be helping to recruit the hundreds of volunteers needed for this major coastline clean-up. Isle of Wight Day will provide the clean-up volunteers with disposable rubbish bags, gloves, high viz vests and other equipment to help with the coastal clean-up. All plastic rubbish collected over the weekend will be safely disposed of in conjunction with the IOW Council.
Island's Got Talent
Island’s Got Talent is returning for a triumphant second year. Last year we saw Rob Da Bank, Anneka Rice and Mark King giving the Britain’s Got Talent panel a run for their money, while compere Paul Topping had the audience in stitches between acts. Ryde Academy Elite were crowned the winners for their show-stopping Michael Jackson inspired modern dance performance – which blew the audience and the judges away! Who will take the title in 2018?
Our Isle of Wight Day parade was a resounding success with a huge turnout in Ryde, with many participators and spectators fuelled by delicious food served by Aspire. We were joined by national companies, including Tesco, whose wonderfully willing staff dressed up as fruit and veg, and handed out healthy snacks to the crowds. At the forefront, of course, were Islanders, including schools, bands and community groups who truly got into the spirit of the parade. We were delighted to hear that many who watched or took part in the parade felt it was reminiscent of carnivals of yesteryear. Find out soon about this years parade.
Songs of Praise will be in its third year this year. Last year we had a packed crowd to experience this uplifting event featuring the Isle of Wight Symphony orchestra and compered by Alan Titchmarsh. Watch this space to find out more about this years event.
Around the Island, restaurants and hotels wowed diners with delectable treats for ‘Dish of the Isle of Wight Day’ – ranging from scrummy cream teas to three course fine dining. Seaview hotel took home the coveted Dish of the day trophy. This paired with a fantastic food fair in Bembridge, opened by Isle of Wight Day founder Robin Courage showcased the amazing food available here on the Island.
Island Art Extravaganza
Last year we placed 30, 7 foot tall Island heroes across the Island as a massive Isle of Wight art project took place. This year we will be bringing you another art project to wow the island. What could it be? You will have to wait and see.