10 fabulous summer days out – explore with Wightlink

Award-winning ferry firm Wightlink has recommended five family events and five for the grown-ups this summer season. Discover the best of both worlds and make the most of your escape on this enchanting island just across the water.

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FAMILIES

1)     Family Firework Fun

At The Needles Landmark Attraction every Thursday in August you’ll be able to enjoy ‘Magic in the Skies’. From 10am until late you can enjoy shopping, foodie treats, live music and family entertainment, before an iconic firework display lights up the landmark after dusk (weather dependent). It’s the perfect way to end a family day out.

2)     Foam Parties and Confetti Canons

Every Wednesday evening from 24 July to 28 August there are full on party vibes at Blackgang Chine’s Summer Fest. Expect fun foam, confetti and laser parties for children, carnival performers and a fireworks extravaganza to top the day off.

3)     Carnivals Galore

A huge number of carnivals take place across the Island during the school summer holidays meaning you’re never far away from a joyous parade of colour and music.  The towns of Newport, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde all have their own carnivals, as well as the pretty village of St Helen’s.  Ryde, Shanklin, Newport, and Sandown also have spectacular illuminated carnivals with evening parades that make the most of balmy summer nights.

4)     Family Films and Kids Raves

Tapnell Farm Park opens until 8pm on selected dates during the school holidays meaning that you can extend your day of fun into the evening! On Tuesdays they host Moo-Mania, the ultimate kids rave in a barn. Every Thursday you can enjoy Farm, Fun and Moo-vie Nights – with favourite films like Wonka, Trolls Band Together and Sing-A-Long Encanto. 

5)     Garlicky Family Fun

From 17-18 August you can experience the Isle of Wight’s biggest summer show at The Garlic Festival. As well as incredible (and garlicky) food, you can enjoy live music, children’s activities, star chefs, arena entertainment and live shows. The kids will love Camp Garlic where they can enjoy free arts and crafts.

GROWN UPS

1)     Clifftop Ibiza Parties

Grown-ups: get ready for an unforgettable night of electrifying beats at Blackgang Chine’s Sunset Sessions.  Enjoy stunning views and pure Ibiza vibes at this exclusive adult-only clifftop party. Judge Jules will spin the wheels of steel on 9 August then Nathan Dawe on 17 August. On 6 September there’s an End of Summer Party featuring Tall Paul, Ultrabeat and Ellie Sax.

2)     Wight Proms

The Wight Proms comes to Northwood House for eight days between 9 and 18 August. Their diverse programme of events includes comedy (Miriam Margolyes), sport (Aggers and Tuffers) and drag (Danny Beard) while concerts bring you sounds from the musicals, opera, dance anthems, country, and classical music.

3)     Live Music in a Vineyard

The Isle of Wight’s vineyard, Adgestone, is open Wednesday to Sunday for tours, wine tastings, shop visits, and delicious food and drink. You can also catch live acoustic music on selected dates until mid-September, so kick back to enjoy the sea views with a sharing platter and a glass of wine on the decks above the vines.

4)     Feel Good Hits

The Jack Up Summer Party is the ultimate retro-themed boutique music festival on the Isle of Wight. Enjoy two days (10-11 August) of live music, vintage entertainment, and retro-inspired fun. A diverse array of talent includes Nathan Moore of 80’s pop band Brother Beyond, The Princes of Motown and world-class tribute acts paying homage to music legends.

5)     Cowes Week

Cowes Week stages up to 40 daily races for around 750 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. Up to 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing, enjoy the apres-sail parties and to experience the unique atmosphere. It’s a one-of-a-kind event with plenty of exciting onshore activities for spectators, taking place 27 July – 2 August.

Find out more here.