Iconic British Festivals
The Isle of Wight is home to some of the most iconic British Festivals including:
Spring (March – May)
- Isle of Wight Walking Festival (April/May): One of the UK’s largest walking festivals with guided trails for all abilities, exploring the island’s stunning countryside and coastline.
- Royal Isle of Wight County Show (May): A traditional agricultural show with livestock, local produce, crafts, arena displays and family entertainment. A real taste of rural island life.
- Cider & Cheese Festival(May): Held at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, pairing local ciders with artisan cheeses, alongside heritage train rides and live music.
Summer (June – August)
- Isle of Wight Festival (June): World-famous music festival with international headliners and a brilliant atmosphere.
- Biosphere Festival (June): A celebration of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, with community events, nature walks, beach cleans, arts, live music and activities highlighting sustainability and the natural environment.
- Ventnor Fringe Festival (July): A week-long celebration of theatre, comedy, cabaret, music and art in quirky venues across Ventnor.
- The Wight Proms (August): Open-air classical concerts by the sea, celebrating music, theatre and comedy in a unique island setting.
- Garlic Festival (August): A fun and flavourful event dedicated to garlic, featuring cookery demos, live entertainment and local produce.
- Cowes Week (August): One of the world’s most prestigious sailing regattas, with racing on the Solent and lively shoreside festivities.
- Isle of Wight Scooter Rally (August Bank Holiday): Europe’s biggest scooter rally, filling Ryde with colourful scooters, ride-outs and music.
- Chale Show (August): A popular village and country fair showcasing horticulture, arts, crafts, and local food, alongside live entertainment.
Autumn (September – November)
Winter (December – February)
- Ventnor Boxing Day Swim (December): Brave locals and visitors take a chilly dip for charity — a quirky island tradition.
- New Year’s Day Walks & Swims: Welcoming the new year with island-wide community events.