Drawing ever closer is the Isle of Arts Festival, taking place in Ventnor between 2nd and 5th May.
There’s loads going on the first three days (see links at the bottom of the article) and this year the festival is extended, running into the Monday as well.
Affordable Arts Fair
Kicking off the Festivities on Monday 5th May will be an Affordable Arts Fair.
Taking place between 11am and 4pm, why not wander down to the Festival Marquee and be amazed by the variety of arts and crafts on offer?
Everything on sale will have been created on the Island by local artists or craft people, and will be priced between £1 and £99, so come prepared to leave with some unique gifts for yourself or the important people in your life.
Spontaneous creativity with the Radio Soop team
The Improvisation Workshop at 11.30 at St Catherine’s Church is one not to miss if you enjoyed Radio Soop at previous festivals.
Join SOOP’s improvisation experts for a crash course in spontaneous creativity. Using a variety of games, exercises and activities, SOOP will lead you through the basic skills of improvised comedy performance in a friendly, fear-free atmosphere with the focus on fun.
Jazz Brunch returns
Smooth jazz, good food; what could possibly be a better way to while away a few hours on a Bank Holiday Monday? Sit back and relax and let the music flow over you……
The Jazz Brunch is a regular feature of the Isle of Arts Festivals, this year taking place at the Eversley Hotel and featuring the Sarah Bolter band and special guest vocalist Edana Minghella.
Why is the Isle of Wight so called?
Later, the brilliant storyteller, Sue Bailey, will be sharing Myths and Legends of the Isle of Wight. Why is the Isle of Wight so called? Why did King Charles 1’s ill-fated attempt to escape from Carisbrooke Castle fail? What caused the Royal George to sink on a still day in the Solent?
The Isle of Wight has, over the centuries, been the subject of a wealth of myths and legends and a variety of stories, some true, some of more questionable origin. Find out more at Ventnor Library from 3pm.
Literary walk
Well-known professional photographer living and working on the Island, David White, will once again lead the Literary Walk through Bonchurch.
His walks are always popular and a sell-out so make sure you book soon if you haven’t already.
Life in the trenches 100 years ago
More fascinating history is unravelled during a talk by Jamie Vans titled, ‘In the Trenches, Tanks and Captivity’.
Find out about the life of Jamie’s uncle, Captain Frank Vans Agnew MC, 100 years ago during the talk at Ventnor Library at 4pm.
The return of Radio Soop
Instant Soop! The Live Improvised Comedy Show also takes place 4pm at Ventnor Baptist Church.
These guys are regulars at Isle of Arts and if you’ve ever seen them you’ll know why. Always a brilliant show!
The Only Way Is Downton
A must for Downton fans is ‘The Only Way Is Downton’ by Luke Kempner (pictured above) at 7pm in the Isle of Arts Marquee.
Having made his name with YouTube hit Downstairs At Downton, and appearances in musicals including Les Mis and Avenue Q, Luke Kempner’s debut solo show has won critical acclaim and sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe last year.
Prepare to be amazed
Tim Kliphuis & The Jim Thorn Trio entertain the crowd at St Catherine’s Church at 7pm. Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis is a legend in the gypsy world through his work with the top guitarists.
Classically trained, he honed his improvisation skills on tour with the Rosenberg Trio, Richard Galliano and many others, and is widely regarded as the heir to Stéphane Grappelli’s crown.
He will be accompanied by the excellent local trio of Jim Thorn on piano, John Thorne on double bass, and Ken Black on drums.
And to close the festival ….
Live at The Marquee
The very popular stand-up show on the last night of the festival has been threatening to outgrow its previous home (the Boathouse) for some time, so this year direct your feet to the Festival Marquee to be entertained by Alistair Barrie, Andy Askins and Tom Price.
Kicking off at 9.15pm tickets are £8 each. Warning: heckling is definitely done at your own risk…
Find out more about the Isle of Arts Festival: Friday >> Saturday >> Sunday
