Get in the festival spirit on the Isle of Wight
When Glasto was still a twinkle in Michael Eavis s eye, music fans were already flocking to the Isle of Wight. Every significant act from the last 40 years has played there, including the legendary Jimi Hendrix, and the festival continues to thrive, with thousands of fans descending on the island every June.
But festival culture extends far beyond music, and if festival going is your thing, there s plenty to keep you entertained year round. Caravan holidays are a great way to keep your costs down and see as many carnivals and festivals as you can when you visit the island.
Rio on the Isle of Wight
The Ryde carnival has been bringing the sights and sounds of Rio to the Isle of Wight since 1887, when it was first staged to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. She rapidly became the event s patron, and Britain s oldest carnival has continued to flourish ever since.
It s a riot of decorated floats, carnival queens and pets in fancy dress, and it brings the whole community together. Carnival culture is huge on the island, so make sure you catch at least one parade while you re here - and try and see one of the spectacular night-time illuminated carnivals if you can.
Music to your ears
It s not just the Isle of Wight festival that brings music to the island. The Wight proms has become a truly unmissable event with incredible live orchestras, fireworks and food. It's a celebration of the island s unique culture, and even the red squirrels get a look in.
If the sound of laughter is more your thing, the Ventnor Fringe festival is a truly bohemian event with pop up venues and bars, where you can watch great comedy in a launderette or listen to poetry in the pub.
Set sail for Cowes
Cowes week is one of the wonders of the Isle of Wight, a beautiful celebration of all things maritime. It s the largest and oldest regatta in the world and this iconic event features 8,000 competitors and thousands more spectating from the shore. The fireworks that take place on the final Friday of the event are renowned.
If walking or cycling are more your style, there are plenty of festivals for you to enjoy, including the two week long walking festival, with over 100 walks to enjoy, and the cycling festival that takes place every September/October time. If you love a bit of gravel and mountain biking, the 7 hills challenge could be for you.
Feast on the best
The island is renowned for producing some of the best food and drink in the UK, and there are plenty of festivals where you can celebrate everything from sweetcorn to the world famous garlic. The two day festival celebrating the stinking rose is one of the biggest on the island with a funfair, cookery demonstrations and the chance to try garlic ice cream.
If you fancy the ultimate pub crawl, then the annual Classic Buses, Beer and Walking Weekend will be right up your street. This is your chance to ride beautiful old buses for free between a network of 100 real ale pubs - and our luxury caravan located in Shanklin is the perfect base to enjoy the fun!
