As you may’ve read recently, the Isle of Arts Festival returns to Ventnor for its fourth visit in May and this year is spread over four days.
You can browse the full programme of events with Events OnTheWight, but below we take a look at what’s on offer on the Saturday.
Lots for the kids to see and do
If you’re bringing your kids to the festival why not start at the Paint-A-Dinosaur workshop at Ventnor Library.
Later at 2pm they can head to the Ventnor Baptist Church where there’s a treat in store for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Host Alastair Watson brings the books to life with fun activities including The Wimpy Kid Draw- Along and The Wimp Wars! Quiz.
For the slightly younger, a Teddy Bear’s Tea Party at the library at the same time might be more fitting.
Afternoon delights
With the kids dealt with, it leaves the afternoon and evening for some more mature entertainment.
How about an afternoon with author, journalist and agony aunt, Virginia Ironside. Going on the road to promote her books led to a “stand-up” show aptly named Growing Old Disgracefully in which Virginia explains that unlimited free drugs, boring for Britain, fun funerals, grandchildren and sex – or, even better, no sex – make the sixties the best – and funniest – time of your life.
Later during the day, will be your chance to sit down and listen to the dulcet tones of Liverpool Poet Roger McGough. A new book of poems by Roger is always an event and As Far As I Know is truly a cause for celebration.
Hilarious and surreal, he is a poet of many voices. Menace and melancholy there may be, but with plenty of McGough’s characteristic wit and wordplay too. Hang around for the book signing after the event and your chance to speak to the man himself.
“Saturday night’s alright”
The evening features a range of music to choose from, starting with some melodic jazz from The Andy Norman Trio to get your toes tapping at The Boathouse.
Over in the Marquee, Tenors Un Limited present An evening with “The Rat Pack of Opera”. Join the UK’s original classical-crossover ‘man band’ for a fantastic musical journey that will move you and make you laugh in equal measure.
Back over at The Boathouse, the Jazz Jam hosted by Jim Thorne kicks off from 9pm. Listen to Jim plus a host of jazz friends, some old, some newly discovered, and enjoy great jazz music in a variety of styles. Remember, requests are only played if written down on the back of a banknote.
Book now
Whatever your taste, there’s bound to be something to take your fancy. Find out more by visiting the Isle of Arts Festival Website.
Our thanks to organisers of the Isle of Arts Festival for sponsoring this feature. Please support them, as they and other businesses taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
