Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale Backs Sandown Town Of Culture Bid

Wet Leg's Rhian Teasdale is backing Sandown's bid to become the UK's first Town of Culture.

Sandown was named as one of 15 finalists in July, from almost 400 entries across the country. It's the only finalist from the South East and the entire south coast.

The winning town will receive £3 million to stage a programme of cultural events in 2028, with two runners-up each receiving £250,000.

Rhian, who grew up in Sandown, says the town played an important role in shaping her as an artist.

She says there are many talented and ambitious young people in the town who deserve opportunities to explore their creativity close to home.

The Sandown bid is centred around a community of so-called 'Tide Turners', with plans for a six-month programme of events culminating in a festival celebrating arts and science.

The proposed programme would explore Sandown's history, from dinosaur footprints and Charles Darwin to Lewis Carroll, the town's carnival and regatta traditions, and modern developments in marine technology.

The bid team is also in discussions with internationally renowned marine artist Jason deCaires Taylor about creating a sculpture on Sandown's shoreline.

Sandown resident Sharon George has been appointed creative director for the campaign.

She's previously worked on major projects including the opening of the Olympic Park and the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Island creative agency NOSY has also been brought in to manage the campaign's social media and website.

A new Tide Turners website has now launched, while a two-week residency by Ventnor Exchange's Arena big top at Sandham Gardens will include a day of workshops and community activities on October 21st.