This year is the 20th anniversary of the only Donkey Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight and I expect that Cheryl Clarke can’t believe how quickly the last twenty years have flown by.
The sanctuary started off caring for a handful of donkeys and now looks after over one hundred. Twenty years on and it’s going from strength to strength, so Cheryl and Karen have organised a grand bash to celebrate.
And what better day than on the August Bank Holiday to hold the bash. So, what’s on the cards you ask?
Well, the action kicks off at noon and throughout the day, in association with Blunt Events, there will be live music from Island bands and artistes (ooh get you), including Kelly Burke, Derek Sandy, Smoke and Mirrors and evening action brings the Pink Pussycat Club to the south of the Island.
The August Bank Holiday normally sports glorious weather, so whilst you’re sitting around in the sun listening to the local musical talent, you can sample some of the beer or cider available from the Mini Beer Festival that’s being sponsored by Ventnor Brewery. To soak up all the alcohol, there’ll be tons of local food to choose from.
Further entertainment during the day sees John Owen providing a falconry display with his eagle owl, falcon and hawks and Guido Oakley will be performing live woodcarving, which is always a treat to watch. If you see anything you fancy, he’ll have plenty for sale on the day.
For the nippers, there’ll be a fun zone complete with Randini The Magician, who, as you all know, makes the best balloon sculptures on the Island. Not to mention of course, all the lovely old donkeys for them to pet and coo over.
There should be plenty of stalls offering all sorts, including plants for sale, the fossil shop, traditional sweets, cream teas and more.
If all this wasn’t enough, during the day there’ll be a special guest appearance by Colin Carmichael – star of the 118118 adverts. He’ll be happy to sign autographs books, if you can catch him!
If you want to book a pitch (there are still a few available) then get in touch with Cheryl or Karen on 403312.
Finally, on top of all of this, there’ll be a Grand Summer Draw, first prize being 750 big ones – yes, that’s wonga. Second prize will be £350 and there’ll be two third prizes of £100 each.
You can pre-order tickets for the event (wristbands will serve as entry pass, so you can come and go through the day/evening) from the Donkey Sanctuary.
Ticket prices:
Day Tickets – Adult £3.00, Kids £2.00 (under 5s go free)
Evening Tickets – Adult £4.00, Kids £2.00 (ditto)
Day and Evening Tickets – Adult £5.00, Kids £3.00 (ditto)
The day event runs from noon til 5pm and the evening action runs from 7pm til late. [Note: No donkeys were harmed in the creation of the above graphic]
