Posts Tagged ‘Isle of Wight’

• Isle of Wight Festival – the festival Island

  Date: 2011.10.14 | Category: Bestival, Features, Ferries, Festivals, holidays, Isle of Wight Festival | Response: 0

  Often considered a quiet, family holiday location in the southern part of England, the Isle of Wight was put firmly on the map in the late 60’s with a series of music festivals that attracted some of the biggest names of the time including Bob Dylan.

  Running between 1968 and 1970 the Isle of Wight Festival attracted huge attendances, some of the biggest the UK had ever seen, with the 1970 Festival in particular estimated to have attracted 600,000 festival goers. Such was its success that the Government passed legislation to prevent future gatherings of over 5,000 on the Island without a permit/license!

  The Isle of Wight Festival disappeared from the calendar for decades but in 2002 it made a welcome return from a base at Seaclose Park recreation ground on the outskirts of Newport. The Charlatans and Robert Plant headlined the revived 2002 Festival and its success has seen the Festival take place every year since. In the last decade the Isle of Wight Festival has been graced by the biggest names in rock and pop including Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Jay Z, Paul McCartney, Stereophonics, Coldplay and so many more.

  In 2012, the Isle of Wight is filling the traditional Glastonbury weekend (which is taking a year off) of 22, 23 and 24th of June and although it is too early for acts to be confirmed it is sure to be a great array of stars in Olympic year. Even better news is that the organisers have confirmed that layout changes at Seaclose Park, Newport include more space for campers and improved views, better sound and more space in the main arena plus even more toilets.

  The Isle of Wight Festival is not the only one on the island, with one of the better known others being Bestival that has been running annually since 2004. The 2001 Bestival attracted acts including Pendulum, The Cure, Bjork and Primal Scream. And, of course for jazz fans, there is also the annual Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival.

  So if you are a music lover or just want to feel the Festival vibe this summer head for the Isle of Wight. Getting there is easy as Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries run regular crossings between Southampton and Cowes for passengers on foot, bike or car.

• Isle of Wight – culture, yachting and lots more

  Date: 2011.09.15 | Category: Been there | Response: 0

  The Isle of Wight, on the English south coast, is a great family holiday destination offering a safe, clean and friendly environment, with sandy beaches and seaside towns.

  A small island in the English Channel – it measures just 23 miles across – the Isle of Wight first came to prominence in the Victorian era when it was popular with leading names of the times such as Dickens, Tennyson and even Royalty.

  Prince Albert, along with his designer Thomas Cubitt, built Osborne House at East Cowes in the late 1840’s. Although it has many formal rooms for the visiting dignitaries, Albert was keen to develop it as comfortable family home and so much of the “non official” house feels more like holiday apartments. The Royal family stayed at Osborne House regularly and after Albert’s death, Queen Victoria made it her permanent residence.

  Since her death in 1901 the house has remained unchanged, as she wished, but Osborne House is now open to the public and is well worth a family visit. You can explore the grounds including the Royal children’s Swiss Tree House, gardens and the house and get a real feel for Victorian family and royal life.

  As an island, it is not surprising that the Isle of Wight has a close affinity with the sea and over the years it has become the focal for much of the UK’s yachting and sailing fraternity with the World famous Cowes Week being staged first week of August each year.

  Cowes Week is an exciting time to visit the island as you can watch the racing and enjoy the great party atmosphere that descends upon the town. There are lots of entertainments events organised during the week including a big firework display on the Friday.

  It is worth noting that around Cowes Week accommodation gets very booked up so it is worth considering staying in Southampton and travelling across on the ferries – there are also late night ferries home. You will find a number of good Hotels in Southampton.

  Although Cowes Week takes place during the first week of August you will find it remains a lively area for yachting and sailing throughout the summer holidays and definitely worth a visit.