This in from Visit Isle of Wight, in their own words. Ed
The JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race (21 June 2014) regularly attracts over 1,500 boats and is one of the largest participation sports in the UK. Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the spectacular yacht race is set to provide a breathtaking pinnacle for both spectators and sailors during the Festival of the Sea.
Around 70 sea-themed events
It is, however, just one of around 70 sea-themed events on offer right across the Isle of Wight, including seafood tastings at Island restaurants, live music performances at waterside pubs, arts and crafts and lighthouse tours.
The anchor event highlights for 2014 are:
- Cooking up a storm: Delicious fishy dishes will be served up at the Round the Island Race Village in Cowes Yacht Haven (Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 June), featuring the Red Funnel Cowes Food Festival and Cookery Theatre. Look out for a range of trade, food and craft stalls, and soak up the atmosphere with evening entertainment and live musicians
- Zoo by the sea: Watch the tigers at the Isle of Wight Zoo make a splash during special aquatic feeding demonstrations (22 – 23 June)! See the Marines compete against the big cats in a not-to-be-missed ‘Tug-O-War’. Check out the marine conservation themed activities for both adults and children. And explore the zoo’s historical connections during a celebration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, highlighting PLUTO, the WW2 Pipeline Under the Ocean, vital arteries that pumped millions of gallons of fuel from Britain to Allied forces in France.
- Sea safaris: Celebrities of the seabed Enjoy a coastal cruise past secluded bays and coves to the old harbour at Ventnor, pull lobster pots and seabed nets and then experience a fast cruise back to Ventnor (17 – 18 June 2014). And join OceanBlue crew from Ventnor Haven as they watch the leaders of the Round the Island Race fleet as they round the southern tip of the Island (21 June 2014)
- Lighthouse family: All children under 15 receive a free lighthouse-themed goody bag, during a celebration of the 500th anniversary of Trinity House at St Catherine’s Lighthouse, near Niton, Ventnor. Open from 1pm until 4:30pm every day during the Festival of the Sea, except Saturday 21 June, 2014.
- Palace by the Sea: Watch a special outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s
Much Ado about Nothing in the opulent seaside setting of Osborne House,
Queen Victoria’s Palace by the Sea (18 – 21 June, 2014). This Shakespeare’s Globe production will be performed on the lawns of this historic venue and has been brought to the Island for the first time by Quay Arts. - Time travelling tour: “Literatours – Festival of the Sea” is a time-travelling tour around the Island features the voices of actors Celia Imrie, Hugh Bonneville and Richard E Grant. Enjoy anecdotes from the Island’s literary history with readings from celebrated authors who have lived on the Island, along with music from Island composers. Catch the tour from Cowes Parade at 10am on Sunday 22 June 2014.
All at Sea
And the festival frivolities don’t end there! Following on from the Festival of the Sea, an All at Sea event is being held at Small Hope Beach, Shanklin, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June 2014.
Billed as an alternative beach experience, this is the Island’s first beach festival with a twist. Introducing the first ever Birdman contest, cardboard boat race, UK sand sculpture heat and, of course, pirate lessons.
Something for everyone
David Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Wight, the Island’s official tourist board, said:
“This is the second year we have celebrated the Island’s deep connections with the deep blue all around us. We’ve had great support from attractions across the Island who’ve been coming forward to put on sea-themed events, and we’re sure that there will be something for everyone. It’s events like this that really highlight the Island’s all-year round appeal and its attraction for everyone – from the solo sailor to the fun-seeking family.”
