Just a few decades ago, sporting a jaunty hat on Sandown Regatta day was an absolute must in the Island seaside town. It’s still a fondly remembered summer tradition for generations of residents.
Now, thanks to an Arts Council grant secured by Sandown Carnival, Regatta hats are set for a comeback in 2023.
Free hat-making workshops
This year’s Regatta will see a series of free hat-making workshops launched in the run-up to the main event in August. New headwear designs will be created by Island artists in collaboration with the public, including local primary school children and care home residents.
The results will be shown off in High Street shop windows and a Grand Hat Parade on Regatta day itself, Sunday 13th August.
Humby: All sorts of hats on show
Long-time Sandown resident and councillor Heather Humby, 88, remembers when everyone picked up their Regatta hat from one of the stalls lining Pier Street as they headed down to the Esplanade.
Heather says,
“It was part of the great fun of Regatta day with all sorts of hats on show…silly tiny ones, big ones with tassels, flowery ones.
“It’s terrific that Sandown Carnival has found a way to revive one of our town’s great traditions and I can’t wait to wear my hat again this year.”
Hats created with seed paper
One innovation, with sustainability and the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere status in mind, is to create this year’s hats using seed paper.
The idea is to plant the headwear after use so the seeds germinate and produce floral displays.
Celebrating connection with legendary hatmaker Gertrude Shilling
The Carnival’s great hat revival also celebrates the town’s connection with legendary hatmaker Gertrude Shilling, famous for her outlandish hat designs at Ascot races.
Half a century ago, Mrs Shilling’s creations were paraded on the Esplanade and she was invited to crown Sandown’s Carnival Queen in 1975.
Grimaldi: The Gertrude Shilling connection is thrilling
Island artist Teresa Grimaldi will devise the hat-making workshops, aiming to recreate several spectacular hats in the Shilling style.
“I’m delighted to be leading the Regatta Hatters into a madcap making of hats to intrigue and to nod to Sandown’s rich heritage’ she says.
“The Gertrude Shilling connection is thrilling, and her outrageous creations provide the perfect inspiration for us to come up with a display of Regatta hats to remember.”
Get involved
No experience is necessary if you want to help Teresa create her showstopping Regatta hats at a series of workshops in July.
Contact [email protected] to find out more.
Coueslant: Hats off to the funders
Welcoming the project, Sandown Carnival chair Paul Coueslant says,
“It’s hats off to the Arts Council England Heritage Lottery Fund for supporting our idea and to everyone who’s told us they’re excited to be involved.
“It would be fantastic if Sandown’s tradition of donning eccentric headwear became an annual feature of the Regatta once again.”
Sandown Bay Regatta
Sandown Bay Regatta takes place over the weekend of 12th and 13th August…with an Esplanade street market, family entertainment and beach fun on Sunday 13th.
The Grand Regatta Hat Parade is scheduled for 2.15pm on Sunday at the Beach Arena.
Check social media for all Regatta details as they’re finalised.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Sandown Carnival. Ed
