If you watched Sandown Carnival last weekend and were impressed with the Regatta hats that were on parade, there’s still a chance for you to try your hand at hat making.
The Regatta Hat Factory has now opened its doors so that budding hatmakers will be able to drop in for free, creative inspiration leading up to Sandown Carnival’s Regatta Day on 11th August.
Sandown Carnival Association has been working in partnership with Boojum and Snark to set up the FREE Hat Factory, which is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 12 midday to 8pm.
Try your hand at hat-making
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 is open 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]
Free talk
Residents and visitors are also invited to a talk on the Gallus mosaic, Sandown Pierrots and the Regatta Hat Project on Wednesday 31st July.
Sarah Girling, Heritage and Education Officer at Brading Roman Villa will provide insights on the intriguing Gallus mosaic and Paul Coueslant will give a brief history of the Sandown Pierrots and their connection to bygone Regatta hat-wearing.
Discover how these inspiring stories are shaping our unique Regatta Hat project. All are welcome!
Arrive at 6.45pm for 7pm – the talk will last around 45 minutes.
Head to Boojum&Snark, 105 High Street, Sandown PO36 8AF.
