After the success of The Great Sandown Hat Revival in 2023, Sandown Carnival is offering everyone the chance to be part of a hatmaking extravaganza for the town’s Regatta this summer.
The Regatta Hat Factory will open its doors on Sandown High Street from Wednesday 17th July, with budding hatmakers able to drop in for free, creative inspiration over a whole four weeks leading up to Regatta day in August.
Coueslant: We’re really stepping up what we can offer
Carnival chair, Paul Coueslant, said,
“We were delighted to bring back the tradition of hat-wearing at Sandown Bay Regatta last year.
“Our hatmaking workshops supported by Arts Council England were incredibly popular and often oversubscribed.
“It was clear the community wanted more, so we’re really stepping up what we can offer the town’s residents and visitors this year.”
Creating spectacular headwear
Island and mainland artists have come on board as part of the hatmaking fun, with a brief to create spectacular headwear for the Grand Regatta Hat Parade on Sunday 11th August.
Sandown Carnival is working in partnership with Boojum and Snark to set up the Hat Factory, and the project manager is Tracy Mikich.
Mikich: A new collection of big, eye-catching headwear
Tracy explains,
“Last year, we saw some amazing giant hats inspired by legendary hatwearer Gertrude Shilling, the Mascot of Ascot. This year, we’re turning the spotlight on Sandown.
“We’ve invited creative practitioners to capture the essence of Sandown’s heritage, culture, and unique nature and come up with a new collection of big, eye-catching headwear.
“The results will be shown off at the summer carnival parades as well as the Regatta, and they’ll feature in an exhibition at the Quay Arts Centre later this year.”
Where and when
The Regatta Hat Factory at 105 High Street, Sandown PO36 8AF will be open from Wednesday 17th July, Wednesdays to Sundays 12 midday to 8pm, through to the weekend of Sandown Bay Regatta on 10th and 11th August.
Groups can apply to book a session by contacting [email protected]
News shared by Paul on behalf of Sandown Carnival Association. Ed
