This year, Quay Arts proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades at the heart of the Isle of Wight’s creative and cultural community.
Since opening its doors in 1976, Quay Arts has become a much-loved hub for artists, performers, audiences and visitors alike – a place where creativity thrives and communities come together.
A milestone half-century
To celebrate this milestone, Quay Arts is inviting the whole community to join its FREE 50th Birthday Weekend on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August, and the full line-up has now been announced.
The building will come alive with two days of music, art, dance, comedy, circus, spoken word and much more, with performances and activities taking place across Quay Arts from midday until late.
The full programme
The packed programme features Sea Gels Shanty Band, Rufus Reader Trio, Berlingo Flick, Kindred Found, Rehab Ramones, Audio Ghosts, Proud Mary, East Cowes Shanty Band, Wight Harmony, Angelina and JC Grimshaw, Outa Time and The Ohmz, alongside a host of local performers, community groups and artists.
There will be brass bands, choirs, folk music, dance, comedy, magic, circus and spoken word, with Ballyrags bringing comedy workshops and comedy clubs across the weekend, alongside performances from Jaydene Lee, Huxley Magic and many more.
Something for the family
There will also be plenty for families, including Wild Woods Circus workshops, children’s activities and storytelling, while the Clayden Gallery will become ‘The Summer Studio’ – a free creative space running throughout the rest of the summer, with painting, drawing, cardboard building and more. Spoken word performances will also take place throughout the weekend in the Green Room.
The Birthday Weekend is a chance for audiences old and new to explore Quay Arts, discover something unexpected and celebrate the organisation’s remarkable history and the creative community that continues to shape it today.
Fifty years in the telling
The Centre Exhibition, running in the West Gallery until Sunday 13th September, offers a unique opportunity to explore the story of Quay Arts through a rich timeline of artworks, archive material and personal voices from those who have shaped the organisation over the past fifty years.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Quay Arts is also inviting the public to share their own memories and stories connected to the venue. Whether it’s a favourite exhibition, memorable performance, workshop or personal moment experienced at Quay Arts, every story helps celebrate the impact the organisation has had across generations.
“Help us capture the legacy of this remarkable creative hub”
Del Seymour, Centre Manager, said,
“Turning 50 is a milestone we’re proud to celebrate with a vibrant birthday weekend of music, theatre, comedy, poetry, circus, dance and more and an exhibition that reflects the spirit of Quay Arts.
“We’re calling on everyone who’s been part of our journey to share their memories and help us capture the legacy of this remarkable creative hub.”
Quay Arts looks forward to welcoming audiences old and new to celebrate this landmark anniversary and honour the creativity and community spirit that continue to define the organisation today.
Event details
Quay Arts 50th Birthday Weekend takes place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 2026 at Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour PO30 5BD.
Entry is free and events run from midday to late.
For the full programme and latest information, visit the website.
Our thanks to Quay Arts for sponsoring this event feature. They and other businesses taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free
