There are plenty of reasons to holiday in the UK this year and a good number of them can be found on the Isle of Wight, as an array of festivals is set to make it a sizzling spring and summer on the island. The line up ranges from music events to sailing and food festivals offering the perfect excuse for an Isle of Wight holiday in 2010. Here's a look at what will be going on between May and September this year:
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
The first of the festivals to watch out for is the Isle of Wight's Walking Festival in May. Taking place from the 8th to 23rd, it will give nature lovers of all types the chance to enjoy the island's stunning scenery. More than half of the Isle of Wight has been recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the isle also boasts around 30 miles of Heritage Coastline. Much of this can be enjoyed thanks to the 500 miles worth of well-maintained footpaths. Over 300 walks are being organised for the festival this year, which is the UK's largest annual walking festival and is now in its 12th year. Traditional heritage walks, nature rambles and pub walks will be complemented by family friendly dinosaur fossil expeditions, speed-dating strolls and evening ghost walks, meaning there is something for everyone.
Isle of Wight Festival
The summer music festival season is always a popular time of year and kicking off the festivities from the 11th to 13th June is the legendary Isle of Wight Festival, taking place at Seaclose Park, Newport. An incredible line up is planned for 2010, including Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, The Strokes, Blondie, Pink, The Editors, Reef, Orbital, Doves, Calvin Harris, Friendly Fires, Ocean Colour Scene, James and Squeeze.
Cowes Week
Sailing enthusiasts and socialites will be flocking to Cowes in their droves between the 31st of July and 7th of August for a week of lively events and celebrations. An unmissable fixture in the summer sailing and social calendar since 1826, this renowned regatta attracts up to one thousand boats ranging from hi-tech yachts to classic day-boats, not to mention tens of thousands of spectators who turn up to watch the epic races and enjoy the Cowes Week parties.
Garlic Festival
The Isle of Wight's popular Garlic Festival is one of the highlights of the island's food calendar. The tiny village of Newchurch hosts this two day event, which is attended by around 25,000 people each year. First organised in 1983, this quirky festival has become an annual fixture at the village showground and this year is taking place over the weekend of the 14th and 15th of August. A wide range of garlicky treats will be on offer, including garlic sausages, garlic prawns, garlic coffee, garlic beer and even garlic ice cream.
Bestival
The island's festival season comes to an exciting climax between the 9th and 12th September as an electric line up assembles for Bestival. This year, Prodigy, Dizzee Rascal and The Flaming Lips are confirmed for the event. As one of the hottest music festivals worldwide, Bestival is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and fancy dress is an absolute must.
More festival information, plus a comprehensive Isle of Wight guide to help plan your holiday, and tickets for both the Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival can be found at http://www.redfunnel.co.uk.
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