Funding Awarded To Explore Isle Of Wight's Historic Pleasure Piers

A community theatre organisation has secured funding to research and celebrate the history of the Isle of Wight's former pleasure piers.

Tide Nor Time Players CIC has been awarded £9,900 through the Past Futures programme to investigate the entertainment heritage of the piers at Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor.

The project will examine the role the structures played as entertainment venues, hosting everything from music hall performers and variety acts to summer shows and seaside attractions.

Researchers will work with local historians, museums and community groups to gather information and preserve stories connected to the Island's pier culture.

The findings will be used to create a public exhibition and a programme of performances inspired by the history of the piers and the people who visited them.

The project will be based at The Bull Ring Theatre in Brading New Town Hall, where exhibitions, talks and performances are planned.

As part of the research, organisers are appealing for anyone with photographs, postcards, programmes, memorabilia or personal memories linked to the pleasure piers at Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin or Ventnor to come forward and contribute to the project.