Local Community News

Ventnor will host its first-ever Pirate Festival from August 14-17, coinciding with Ventnor Town Carnival.

The 16th Cowes Classics Week took place to great fanfare in Cowes between 7 and 12 July. 

Families are being invited to join the Isle of Wight Council's ranger at Fort Victoria for a host of fun rock pooling and fossil hunting activities this summer.

Orchard House Care Home hosted a delightful cheese and wine afternoon, which was met with enthusiasm and joy by the residents.

Community Defibrillator Champion, Steve Read, saw his latest project unveiled by IW High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM and Lake Parish Council Chair, Paul Brading, outside of the Shanklin County Ground Clubhouse, as part of their summer programme of renovation.

Isle of Wight Pride celebrated a return to the beach in style with a weekend of entertainment, community involvement and a parade.

A Newport Nail salon has launched its revolutionary new app today (Wednesday)..

Isle of Wight visitors and residents alike may have been startled by the sight of two bears on Penny Farthings at the weekend.

With a strong sense of nostalgia visitors to Sandown Airport enjoyed the 1940s vibes of the "Flying Forties" weekend.

Saturday August 3 will see members from Ryde's CrossFit Incursion perform 60,000 Burpees for charity on Appley Beach from 9.30am.

Cowes Week Limited (CWL), the organisation behind the world's premier sailing regatta Cowes Week, today announced that world-renowned yacht chartering company, Sunsail becomes their Official Charter Sailing Partner for the 2024 Regatta.

The leading establishment for music education on the Island recently took Wight Noize winner Marnie Marie to perform at 23 schools.

The results of the annual Wight in Bloom competition, organised by Visit Isle of Wight were revealed yesterday (Thursday) at a ceremony at Albert Cottage in East Cowes.

A yachtsman who received a head injury aboard a classic yacht became the object of a rescue operation by Cowes RNLI lifeboat yesterday (Thursday).

The MAD-Aid DOT in East Cowes is the place to head for some inexpensive summer fun for all the family.

The Friends of Northwood Cemetery are celebrating after being awarded a coveted Green Flag Award.

This Saturday (July 20) Isle of Wight Pride celebrates a return to the beach with a weekend of entertainment, community and a parade through Ryde.

Island residents are being encouraged to take small steps to make a big difference this Plastic Free July.

Sandown High Street has welcomed the arrival of a new, innovative and sweet enterprise.

At the Annual General Meeting of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) held in Orkney on 13 July the Faroe Islands were confirmed to be the Host Island of the 2027 Island Games.

A new film about childhood, made by students from the Island Learning Centre and artists Teresa Grimaldi, aims to start conversations between different generations and make a difference to local communities.

A free to attend Showcase Exhibition of a selection of more than 120 Isle of Wight Open Studios 2024 artists who are participating in this year’s event, opened with a spectacular launch on Friday (July 12) in the Café and Clayden Gallery at Quay Arts.

The 1,700-year old image of a cockerel-headed man discovered at Brading Roman Villa will be the theme of a spectacular hat created for next month’s Sandown Bay Regatta.

Ryde Academy held its annual Awards Ceremony yesterday (Thursday). 

Cowes based Van Mossel Esplanade has welcomed a new and pristine example of a classic Volvo to its fleet of vehicles on the Island.

Isle of Wight Marlins Swim Club is organising and running the iconic Pier2Pier swim race on Saturday July 20.

A lighthouse inspired art trail is set to light up Cowes for the summer months.

Newport based charity Natural Enterprise is asking keen gardeners and potential volunteers to visit them in the Garden and Outdoor Living Area at this weekend’s Royal Isle of Wight County Show to help combat 'alien' plants.

An original performance is to be staged at Newport's Mountbatten by young people from leading performing and creative arts centre, The BRIT School.

Residents at Old Charlton House recently took a day out sailing off the coast of Cowes and East Cowes.

Brading Roman Villa has unveiled its new Nature Trail as part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival.

Ventnor Rugby Club once more acted as a marshalling post and feeding station for the round-the-Island cycling Randonnee in early May.

Cowes-based architect Leah Mew is celebrating a double success at the prestigious Isle of Wight Society Conservation Awards and RIBA Design Awards.

Madonna, The Spice Girls, Abba and Elvis were just some of the stars at the St Catherine’s Popstars themed Summer Fair.

Ben Morley once again showed his liking for the open spaces of the 385-metre Smallbrook Speedway circuit as he took top spot in the 'Mark Cooper Truly Independent' US Style Handicap meeting.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has called on the newly elected government, and the region’s MPs, to step up and take the decisive action needed to protect and restore nature.

Wightlink has announced the successful Isle of Wight community organisations that will receive grants to help the Island to make progress towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sight for Wight’s Short Story Writing Competition is back after the success of last year’s which produced some very high-quality entries.

Following a successful 2024 Isle of Wight Festival appearance, Island punk group, The Pill, have announced a concert in Norway, taking place next month.

Preparations are nearly complete for Ascend – thought to be the first-ever youth led arts festival on the Isle of Wight – which will take place at the Broadway Centre, Sandown

Ryde School’s sailing team has finished the season on a high to qualify for a global event.

With the date set for artists to open the doors to their studios this August, Isle of Wight Open Studios are hosting a Showcase Exhibition of artists work.

Three employees from Sandown's Wildheart Animal Sanctuary have successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge in just under 24 hours.

US Style Handicap racing returns to Smallbrook Stadium this Thursday (July 4).

The second stage of the year-long exciting new national BoatLife Fishing Championship will be held at Cowes over the weekend of July 13 and 14.

A Hampshire man whose life was “sent down a different path” after losing five friends to brain cancer has vowed to never stop fighting the deadly disease.

The biggest day on the Isle of Wight business-to-business networking calendar will take place next week.

The Phoenix Choir will be performing in the recently renovated Newport Minster on Saturday 13 July in aid of the Minster’s new community project for those living with dementia and their carers.

Today marks a notable Sunday for Isle of Wight band Marnie Marie.

A free 10-week training course is set to arrive at the Isle of Wight College, offering Island care workers a dynamic opportunity to tackle the region’s skill shortages head-on while boosting their skillset.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW is thrilled to announce that Carol Court, the dedicated CEO of the Charity, is a finalist for a prestigious BBC Make a Difference Award.

An annual motorbike charity ride held on the Isle of Wight will raise money for two local Air Ambulance charities (Hampshire & Isle of Wight, and Dorset & Somerset).

An Isle of Wight estate agency is celebrating its landmark anniversary by giving back to the local community.

More than 20 school and community groups will take part in this year's Mardi Gras next month.

The Wightlink Warriors have announced the signing of Chad Wirtzfeld to the 2024 team.

Despite inclement weather a large crowd enjoyed the "Men in Sheds Festival" last weekend at Sandown Airport.

Talented music students from Platform One College on the Isle of Wight will appear at the Isle of Wight Festival this weekend.

Cowes Primary School has held its annual International Day as it continues to share the diversity of cultures, food, music and costumes of the local school community.

An Isle of Wight wrestling company is taking to the dancefloor for its latest big event.

Cherry Godfrey, WRS Systems, Café Isola, and Bembridge C of E Primary School were among those baking up a treat this May in aid of Wessex Cancer Support.

Children from Brighstone Primary School helped to keep the rural tradition of country dancing alive by performing three dances at this year’s Shorwell Midsummer Fair.

The winners of a road safety poster competition, launched by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with Southern Vectis and the Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership, have been announced.

The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust has named its four year-old winner of a competition to name the new mascot for the charity.

Twenty-five Isle of Wight Festivals were celebrated at the launch party of Experience 25.

The third annual Isle of Wight Sheepdog Trial was held on a sunny June weekend with around 3,500 spectators watching 50 dogs from across the UK compete.

Perfect weather conditions encouraged runners of all abilities to join in with the IW Festival of Running on Sunday June 9.

Hovertravel is using World Refill Day today (Sunday 16 June) to promote the transition away from single-use plastic and towards refill and reuse.

FOCAS Fest – Focus on Conservation and Science Festival – is returning to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for a second year after its successful debut in 2023.

The Bargeman’s Rest was packed with well-wishers last Saturday, 8th June, as it celebrated its 25th birthday with a day filled with fantastic food, drinks and live music.

In a move to align with its new owners, the Cowes based car dealership formerly known simply as 'Esplanade' will now be known as Van Mossel Esplanade.

Award-winning East Cowes based brow and beauty specialist Kellie Conway’s passion and enthusiasm knows no bounds.

Fire Cadets from across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire cadet (HIWFRS) units joined together for the first time ever for a day of firefighting related fun and obstacle courses on Saturday 8 June.

Platform One Music College has set a goal of performing in 20 schools in 10 days with live performances from 2024 Wight Noize winners Marnie Marie.

A local council group has continued its commitment to aiding a local charity, handing over its latest donation earlier this month.

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students at the Island VI Form are set to exhibit their final projects.

An Isle of Wight professional wrestling company is set to host the Island's first ever show to take place from within the confines of a steel cage.

An influx of Kangaroos, Koalas... and Kiwis will be heading to the Isle of Wight this summer.

A screen time reduction trial launched by UKSA earlier this year has been hailed a success.

Wightlink is supporting kind-hearted members of staff who want to raise money for six selected charities by matching their efforts with a company donation.

A Newport childcare centre is celebrating after receiving its first Ofsted report under new ownership.

A multi-award winning Shanklin dance school is putting on its final performance of a show dedicated to the stage this evening (Saturday).

A club that helps overweight and obese men on the Isle of Wight lose weight through weekly football and healthy lifestyle sessions is celebrating two big wins at a national awards.

Leanne Howard from Southern Vectis is celebrating this week, after being named among the top drivers along the south coast.

Orchard House Care Home recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a special celebration.

A traditional Lithuanian woodfired sauna has opened to the public this week at Compton Bay, as part of islanders Rob and Josie De Banks’ wellness brand offering 'Slow Motion'.

The inaugural Reggae Festival held at the Three Rivers Wellbeing Centre in Porchfield last Saturday (1) was a roaring success, with organisers already planning for next year’s event.

A top-ten finish for Best Bridal Salon left a Newport salon 'overjoyed' at the National Hair and Beauty Awards at the weekend.

A six-month creative writing project on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and allies is continuing across the Isle of Wight this summer.

Newport's Ale House played host to the presentation of the Pub and Beer of the Year by CAMRA Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight estate agent Hose Rhodes Dickson has launched a competition encouraging local residents and holiday-makers to submit photographs depicting their love for their Island, along with an answer to the question, ‘Why do you love the Isle of Wight?’

A Newport nail salon is celebrating after being recognised as one of the UK's best at an annual national beauty awards ceremony.

The Isle of Wight College has announced its upcoming Open Day on Wednesday June 26, from 4pm to 7pm.

Young Islanders are being invited to take part in an artistic endeavour to raise money for charity, with a chance to see their winning print on t-shirts and an annual pass to one of the Island's leading attractions.

Freshwater's West Wight Heritage Centre will reportedly close its doors this month.

The aptly named Horse Box Theatre is bringing Broadway in the Barn to Tapnell Farm later this month.

A former student at Ryde Academy will represent the Isle of Wight in Miss Teen Great Britain when the Grand Final takes place at Blackpool's Globe Theatre in October.

Newport's Orchard House care home will treat essential services workers to breakfast with free takeaways as part of a new initiative.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People Isle of Wight will hold its Gala Weekend and Fun Dog Show next month.

Sandown's Christ Church commemorated D Day 80 with a special Pentecost service, with readings from the Island's Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon JP and High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM DL.

Two flight simulators at Wight Aviation Museum (WAM) have been enhanced with the assistance of Island based videogame development studio, Stainless Games.

Red Funnel has announced it will be adding two late night sailings to its Red Jet timetable next weekend.

There are exciting free activities for families planned at local libraries during the May half term.

Walk the Wight 2024 has now raised a record £500,000 for Mountbatten.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Community Learning team hosted the Multiply Awards ceremony last night (Tuesday), shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of adult learners in numeracy.

The second annual Cowes Fringe will take place from this Thursday (May 23).

A new website has been launched in advance of one of the Island's most popular annual artistic initiatives.

After two years of protest, residents in Wootton are renewing their efforts to fight the proposed extraction of gravel at Palmers Farm.

The award-winning Chillerton & Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival returns this Saturday (May 25) through to June 1.

A man living in Thailand has completed his eye-catching labour of love in homage to his homeland, while simultaneously helping to keep local beaches tidy.

Freshwater's West Wight Sports & Community Centre has received a series of grants in a boost to its future.

Staff and residents at Newport's Orchard House care home were treated to an afternoon of nostalgia with Cadbury archivist Sarah Foden and Brand Manager Connor Gould.

Applications are now open to become one of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) face-to-face fundraisers in the south east region.

A new study has revealed the Isle of Wight is the second best UK destination for wild swimming, with three Island seaside locations in the top 10.

The passion and dedication of gardeners on the Isle of Wight is to be celebrated with the return of the popular gardening competition Wight In Bloom.

Forget this year’s Olympic Games, all eyes will be on the Island this summer as Wessex Cancer Support brings its brand-new welly wanging and tomato tossing championships to these shores.

Young Islanders between the ages of 10 and 18 are being asked to get involved with a new festival based in Sandown.

Funding has finally been secured for the Godshill Play Park Project following protracted efforts for investment.

A venue on Ryde’s Union Street, Bar 74, has announced the next stage of its evolution with the official renaming to ‘FuBar’.

Hovertravel has been awarded ‘Leader’ level in the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme in the latest round of accreditation.

A networking fundraiser event will see Island based business people - and Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely - strap on their shinpads to raise money for Mountbatten later this month.

The annual 'Round the Island' Offshore Powerboat will take place this coming weekend.

For holidaymakers, day-trippers, and locals on the Isle of Wight this May half term, English Heritage is offering a fantastic week of historical fun at Osborne and Carisbrooke Castle for all ages to enjoy.

Southern Vectis is marking Dementia Action Week - 13 to 19 May - by highlighting its commitment to making local bus services more accessible for some of its most vulnerable passengers.

Two lip-smacking new events have been added to the 2024 calendar at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Vectis Brass Band is a community organisation based in Ryde and has been entertaining audiences on the Island since 1947.

Rehearsals for a burlesque bonanza to see the summer in have been piquing the interest of residents in Bembridge.

Can you help to locate a dog that was lost on the outskirts of Newport?

The South Coast and Isle of Wight sailing itinerary for Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has been released.

On Wednesday May 15 Medina Bookshop in Cowes will host a fascinating talk by Liz Barron about the Island's connections with a tragedy in the Irish Sea over 70 years ago.

THE Bishop of Portsmouth has appointed Rev Chris Bradish as the new team rector to lead Church of England sites in Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe.

A 27-year-old security officer from the Isle of Wight who is registered sight impaired, has helped leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) put together a new guide designed to help inform sighted people how best they can offer assistance.

This month's Emerging Artist is a charismatic band gaining serious momentum after recently releasing a track four years in the making.

Isle of Wight Scouts are inviting everyone to join them on Saturday May 11 between 9.30am and 3.30pm for the Corf Scout Campsite Open Day.  

Farmers, landowners, environmental organisations and Parish Councils are invited to apply for grants to support a wide range of countryside projects within the Isle of Wight National Landscape (formally the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Shanklin Bowling Club has proudly supported Isle of Wight Ambulance Service for over eight years by housing a vital defibrillator.

Did you know that this year is the 25th Isle of Wight Festival?

The possibility of a seaside for everyone moved closer thanks to yesterday’s Ryde Beach Accessibility Partnership event.

UKSA has announced it is celebrating 10 years of its Test the Water Programme this summer.

HRH Prince Edward helped worshippers celebrate the reopening of Newport Minster after an ambitious transformation project.

A vision that started during Covid is seeking to spreading connection across the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Train Story attraction has welcomed its 600,000th visitors.

The Brighstone CE Aided Primary School horse riding team are jumping for joy after winning first place overall at the Isle of Wight Inter Schools Showjumping Competition.

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, multi-award-winning Victorious Festival – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has announced its full comedy line-up for this summer’s Bank Holiday extravaganza.

Age UK Isle of Wight has announced the successful distribution of 1,000 hygiene packs as part of the 'Dignity in Every Pack' initiative.

A Newport nail salon has been shortlisted for three national awards — less than one year after opening its doors.

East Cowes pub, The Folly Inn, has announced the appointment of a new General Manager.

Rural Island businesses are being invited to apply to the Isle of Wight Rural SME Fund.

The award-winning Chillerton And Gatcombe Scarecrow festival returns from May 25 to June 1.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) has two dedicated grant funds currently open to Island-based community groups and small charities operating at a grassroots level.

Residents of a Newport care home were treated to a special day out courtesy of the Island Riding Centre this week.

A popular night-time charity 5km fun run is returning to Seaclose Park, Newport, on Saturday 5 October, to raise vital funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

An Island-based equestrian star has made her mark on the national stage — with a little help from her friends.

Two Isle of Wight charities have announced events for next month's Mammal Week.

Another successful fashion show from Bellissima and Sugar & Spice Lingerie was held at Ryde Castle Hotel showing spring and summer fashions.

A brand new Isle of Wight wrestling promotion will open its doors for the first-time this weekend.

Members of the Heart Care Club voted to rebrand and rename the group on Saturday (April 20).

A blind veteran from the Isle of Wight has organised a fundraising walk with a difference to raise money for Blind Veterans UK.

Ryde's Monkton Arts will bring its first Gypsy Jazz Festival to the the town next month.

St Helens chose its Carnival Royalty for the 2024 season last Saturday.

A 100-mile trek - which saw participants overcome injury and challenging terrain - has raised money for a Shanklin charity.

The Ability Dogs 4 Young People IW Fun Dog Show held last Sunday (April 14) proved an overwhelming success.

High Street shops in Sandown took part in a seasonal shop front competition highlighting the arrival of spring and a summer of activity on the horizon for the seaside resort.

For the third consecutive year IW-Heroes Con will take place on the Star Wars anniversary — May the 4th.

AN INNOVATIVE upcoming event will offer Island companies access to a slew of successful business leaders.

April's Emerging Artist of the Month is a multi-genre musician who's taken an unconventional route into the music industry.

There’s just one month to go until the start of the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024.

A popular and eco-friendly Ryde business has relocated to its new, brighter premises in the town.

Isle of Wight-based technology firm Innovative Physics has picked up another prestigious award – with a mention from an Artificial Intelligence (AI) version of Donald Trump for its innovative products as an extra bonus.

Motor racing fans have just over a week to wait until this year’s Island Car Centre Sandown Sprint, held over the weekend of 20-21 April.

A playtime-loving cat who never lets his diabetes hold him back is in need of a new home where his medical needs and requests for chin-rubs can be met.

Following a successful period of applications from local artists, the Wight Noize shortlist has been announced.

Rebel Marine, a leading provider of marine services based in Fishbourne, has invested in two state of the art electric tracked machines.

A teenager with a happy habit of helping others delivered a dose of Easter joy to care homes across the Isle of Wight last weekend.

Operation Easter - the national enforcement campaign to protect our nesting wild birds - is underway.

Isle of Wight punk band, The Pill, have released their debut single ahead of a summer of south coast performances and shows in Oxford and London.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution on the Isle of Wight is calling on Islanders and tourists to help the charity celebrate 200 years of saving lives at sea by sending photographs of lifeboats or lifeboat stations along the coast this Easter.

The Environment Agency, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, has announced better protection for more than 300 properties and businesses from coastal erosion and flooding in Yaverland, Sandown and Shanklin for the next 50 years.

Branston Farm based digital studio, Brightbulb, has been shortlisted for an international tech award.

On Friday April 12, retired army Colonel Patrick Crowley will be coming to the Drill Hall in Newport to talk about the fascinating history of volunteer servicemen on the Isle of Wight.

A team of Easter bunnies undertook a weekend mission to deliver the most egg-cellent surprise to the little patients at St Mary’s Hospital.

Four island photographers have had their work featured in an exhibition celebrating a Finnish UNESCO Biosphere Reserve's 30-year anniversary and connections with global Biosphere Reserves like the Isle of Wight.

Odessey's Academy in Newport has been shortlisted in the Best New Salon category of this year's UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

The Isle of Wight’s artistic tapestry is set to be showcased once more, as IW Open Studios makes a triumphant return in 2024.

The creativity of Island pupils is being showcased and celebrated in a new art exhibition opening at Newport's Quay Arts today (Saturday).

The New Carnival Company has launched its IW Dark Skies Art Exhibition, which will be in place until April 19 in the windows of Independent Arts Newport.

The shortlist for the 2024 Audio and Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS) has been revealed with Vectis Radio being nominated for the second consecutive year in the Community Station of The Year category.

Time is running out for Isle of Wight groups to apply for a grant from Wightlink’s Green Innovation Fund to help make the Island more sustainable.

Mary and John Clarke, from Newport, have celebrated their 70 years as husband and wife with a party at Avondale, the sheltered housing scheme run by The Abbeyfield Society where they are both living.

Organisers have now confirmed the line up for this summer's Big Beach Weekend on Ryde's Harbour Beach.

Five young dancers from the Isle of Wight have been chosen to represent England in a prestigious dance competition in The Netherlands this summer.

The Isle of Wight Council, with its waste partner, is supporting the UK’s biggest annual food waste reduction campaign.  

Can you brave the sea to take part in a charity swim which raised almost £60,000 last year?

There was calm at sea in Sandown Bay last weekend, with ecstatic onlookers treated to waves of musical bliss by one of the Island's most admired choirs.

An innovative new taxi booking app, hailed for transforming local transportation across the UK, has launched on the Isle of Wight.

Following the successful launch of the Great Wight Bite in 2023, the Island’s food and drink festival is set to return on Saturday and Sunday 7-8 September at Northwood House in Cowes.

Sandown's Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has hailed the impact of funding from The Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund.

Isle of Wight College students of Travel and Tourism got an insight into Wightlink’s operations at the start of a study day in Portsmouth.

Football fans on the Isle of Wight will be treated to an electrifying clash of the titans, as the Island's finest prepare to take on Southampton Legends in a fundraising contest.

The nominations have been published for the Isle of Wight Chamber Business Awards 2024.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has thanked volunteers, staff and partners from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for their exceptional service and commitment at a glittering ceremony in Winchester.