Next week sees the Regatta Hat Factory open its doors for a whole four weeks so that budding hatmakers will be able to drop in for free, creative inspiration leading up to Sandown Carnival’s Regatta Day in August.
Sandown Carnival Association is working in partnership with Boojum and Snark to set up the Hat Factory, which will be open Wednesdays to Sundays 12 midday to 8pm from Wednesday 17th July.
Last year some incredible hats were created at the public workshops in the run-up to the Grand Regatta Hat Parade. The team engaged with all ages, working with primary school pupils and care home residents.
This year anyone can pop along to the Hat Factory and try their hand at making a hat.
Mikich: See the creations at Regatta and Quay Arts exhibition
Island and mainland artists have also 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.
Tracy Mikich is the project manager. She 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.”
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.”
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]
