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Wightlink Announces Extra February Foot Passenger Sailings To Support Island Schools

Ryde Academy dancers from 2022

Wightlink will be operating extra late evening foot passenger sailings in February to support Isle of Wight schools to compete in the annual Dance Live! event at Portsmouth Guildhall.

More than 900 pupils, staff and helpers will be crossing the Solent over the course of six nights to take part in the regional heats of the competition. 

The extra sailings between Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth Harbour will be operated by a charter vessel on February 20, 22, 23, 24, 27 and 28. 

They will depart Portsmouth Harbour at 9.20pm and 10.45pm and Ryde at 10pm.

Although the sailings are scheduled to support the schools, everyone is welcome to travel on these crossings and should book in advance on the Wightlink website or app.

The Island schools taking part in Dance Live! will be the Isle of Wight Education Federation, Ryde School, Ryde Academy, The Bay Primary, Cowes Primary, Lanesend Primary, Medina House School and the Federation of Newchurch and Nettlestone Primaries.

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said:

“We wish our talented Island dancers the very best of luck in Dance Live!

"We hope to take many of them back to Portsmouth for the finals in April.”

Wightlink has already announced extra late night FastCat services will resume from Monday March 27 when the summer timetable comes into operation.

They will be the 9.20pm and 10.45pm from Portsmouth Harbour, returning from Ryde Pier Head at 10pm and 11.10pm.

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