Sandown, a finalist in the bid for UK Town of Culture, stages one of its favourite community events on Sunday (9th August 2026).
The Grand Regatta Hat Parade returns to Eastern Beach at 2.30pm.
Islanders and visitors are invited to bring out their weird and wonderful creations for the occasion.
Last year’s Best Under-12 Hat went to nine-year-old Oliver, who built a model of the liner Titanic on top of his father’s cycle helmet.
Prizes and books up for grabs
Organisers are offering £100 for Best Hat, £50 for Best Under-12 Hat and a £50 Mad Hatter award for the most eccentric headwear.
The National Literacy Trust has backed this year’s event, adding extra prizes of hat-inspired books for entrants.
Graft Studios, Brevity, the Island’s literary zine, Boojum & Snark, Sandown HUB and the National Literacy Trust have all sponsored this year’s awards.
A tradition the town keeps going
Bay Heritage Champion Paul Coueslant says the parade means a great deal to Sandown.
He said,
“Wearing a hat on Regatta Day is a long Sandown tradition and one the town is proud to carry on.
“Over the last three years, the title of Best Hat has gone to a visiting family who decided to make their hats just days before the event, then – for two years running – it’s been won by under 12-year olds who’d worked on their creations for weeks.
“We’re grateful to Graft Studios, Brevity – the Island’s literary zine, Boojum & Snark, Sandown HUB and the National Literacy Trust for sponsoring this year’s prizes.”
Entrants gather on Eastern Beach ahead of the 2.30pm parade start.
