Latest from the council about the Walking Festival reveals it was a huge success once again. Ed
The 2010 Isle of Wight Walking Festival continued its twelve-year run of success with another great event this May, which saw numbers up on the 2009 event.
With around two hundred and fifty guided walks, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a fantastic outdoor event that attracts over 20,000 visitors and local people per year. Walks range from morning, afternoon and evening ambles to strenuous long-distance walks for experienced ramblers.
Already dubbed ‘the biggest event of its kind in the UK’ attracting national and international media coverage, this May an additional 787 walkers pitched up to enjoy the Island’s natural beauty as well a range of other activities, including the famous Isle of Wight speed-dating walk.
According to a report compiled by the Isle of Wight Council which organises the walking festival, a total of 21,419 walkers took part this year – a rise of almost 4% on 2009. In addition, statistics show that the event has a growing fan base with people booking their accommodation earlier and staying longer: 35% for 1-4 nights, 29% for 5-7 nights and 24% for 8-14 nights.
Lots of reasons to love it
Isle of Wight Council Events Officer, Elaine Cesar said: “According to our feedback forms, many walkers have been returning year on year since the festival first began in 1999. The reasons cited include ‘the Isle of Wight is a great place to walk’ (40%), ‘safety in walking as a group’ (23%), and ‘making new friends’ (12%), but whatever the response, there is no doubt that it is increasing in popularity with many visitors returning for our Autumn Walking Weekend in October and already booking their holiday accommodation for the May 2011 event.”
Speed dating and talks still popular
The popular speed dating walk once again proved hugely successful in bringing people together notching up an incredible 18 matches on the day.
Another highlight of the walking festival was ‘An evening with Brian Blessed’ when the larger than life actor known for his witty repartee gave a superb performance to a packed audience of walkers and non-walkers alike at the Island’s Medina Theatre. But according to the council, the real stars of the show were the dozens of volunteers who led the various walks.
Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for the economy, tourism, leisure and planning said: “The Island’s diverse landscape has once again proved an ideal setting for the walking festival and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in organising this major event, including our dedicated walk leaders who give their time freely in order to promote the Island as one of the UK’s best walking destinations.”
“It is very pleasing that not only was the number of participants up on the previous year, visitors were also staying longer. That is good news for the success of the event and also for the tourism industry and the wider Island economy.”
Sponsors sought for 2011 Isle of Wight Walking Festival
The Isle of Wight Council is seeking a headline sponsor for 2010 to replace the Ordnance Survey who ended their long and successful association with the walking festival in 2009 following a company re-structure.
Those interested in finding out the benefits of becoming a sponsor of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, should telephone Elaine Cesar.
Work is already underway for next year’s Isle of Wight Walking Festival and anyone interested in becoming involved in any capacity should contact Elaine Cesar on 01983 823099, ext 5224.
