The Mackerel Run, a reference to a historical local event that took place in Niton during the 17th and 18th centuries, following a successful fishing season, kicked off Niton’s celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Village Fair, at Niton Football Club on Thursday 2nd June 2022.
The run, from the football field on Blackgang Road, took runners on a five mile return route down to the fishing cove of Castlehaven, where runners had to collect a token mackerel and then run back up to the football ground.
The previous record (of 22 minutes) was beaten by Jack Eldridge who completed the route in just 20 minutes.
Fun for all the family
Back on the football ‘fairground’, there were a variety of events to entertain the 300 or so attendees. From children’s races, tug of war, classic cars displays spanning 70 plus years, and miniature steam traction engine rides plus a variety of stalls hosted by local groups and individuals.
The evening event saw singer and musician Sean Goodfield (pictured below) entertain the crowd before the finale of the evening being the lighting of the St Catherine’s Downs beacon, at 9.45pm.
Around 70 villagers stood and raised a toast as the national anthem was played at the football ground, surrounded by illuminated handmade lanterns created by children from Niton Primary School.
The Beacon lighting
A further 50 observers made their way to the Beacon up on the Downs to witness Brandon Dyer, from Chale perform the lighting ceremony.
The Beacon was a joint effort by the Parish Councils of Chale and Niton and Whitwell.
Critchison: Marks an important time in history
Claire Critchison IW Councillor for Chale, Niton and Whitwell and Shorwell, said,
“It has been an honour to help bring this prestigious event together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
“It continues a local tradition and marks an important time in history and has created a special memory for those on the south of the Island.”
News shared by Andy, in his own words. Ed
