Sea songs and shanties, family entertainment and a fireworks finale all feature in the return of Sandown Bay Regatta this weekend.
Now under the wing of Sandown Carnival, the 165-year old event is making a comeback after a two-year absence from the Island’s summer calendar.
Hooray for the Bay music event
The Regatta revival kicks off at 5pm on Saturday 13th August with Hooray for the Bay, a free music event at Brown’s Golf Course.
It features the first ever performance of the Sandown Bay Sea Symphonietta, specially composed for the Regatta’s return by Stephen J. Parkes and performed by his band with vocals from Emz Wight. Inspired by the beauty and fun of the Bay, the piece draws on classical, jazz-blues and Latin styles and includes a samba-themed limbo dancing section.
Sets from the Island’s female shanty group Sheshells (pictured at top) and popular sea songs and dance band The Crew take the Regatta entertainment into the evening.
Further details of Hooray for the Bay can be found on social media.
Even more action on Sunday
Sunday 14th August will see a Regatta street market on the Esplanade, free stage performances from magician David Randini and Joe Plumb’s Horse Box Theatre Company, a Punch and Judy show on the beach and Morris dancing by the pier.
The public also get a chance to join in the fun with beach games expected to include tug of war and children’s races.
For the first time, the Regatta will have a swim raft anchored off Sandown beach near the lifeguard station. Organised by Swim the Wight, the idea is to help first-timers get involved in the increasingly popular activity of sea swimming in the Bay.
At 8pm, Sheshells return with a free performance of sea songs and shanties at Boojum & Snark in the High Street, before Culver Parade is closed for viewing of the Fireworks Finale at 9.30pm.
Details of all Sandown Bay Regatta activities can be viewed and downloaded from the Website.
Coueslant: The Bay really is a stunning asset right on our doorstep
Paul Coueslant, chair of Sandown Carnival Association, says,
“Our message is come along and enjoy our fantastic Bay this weekend. In the coming years, we’d love Sandown Bay Regatta to become an annual celebration of our award-winning sandy beaches, safe swimming and all the opportunities for people to get out on the water.
“We don’t see ourselves competing with Cowes Week and its sleek yachts and launches. Sandown Bay is all about attractions like paddleboarding, kayaking, building sandcastles and taking a dip…not to mention the chance to enjoy the beautiful natural environment all around us. The Bay really is a stunning asset right on our doorstep.”
News shared by Paul on behalf of Sandown Carnival Association. Ed
