July 12th, 2010 Nikki
If you are like many in Britain, you’ll be taking your holiday on the Isle of Wight this year, and why not? Beautiful countryside, spectacular coasts and great little towns and villages to stroll around, the Isle of Wight keeps even the most restless busy on their Isle of Wight Short Breaks. If, however you are twiddling your thumbs at any point in July then here are just a few things that are taking place on the island that could keep you amused.
- Ryde Arts Parade. From the 2nd - 11th July. This flamboyant parade is a must see. Colourful and full of panache this parade kicks starts the Arts festival that takes place in various places in Ryde. The festival and parade also coincides with the Ryde Regatta which is an annual three day event packed full of fun and festivities for all the family.
- Rhythm Tree Festival from 16th to 18th July. This festival is firmly rooted on the Isle of Wight and this year it promises to be even bigger and better, showcasing the best of world music from Zimbabwean reggae to French fiddlers and African drummers. Specialising in offering the best didgeridoo playing in the UK from top performers as well as up and coming talent, the festival really is a must see.
- Day out with Thomas from 23rd July to 27th July. A great opportunity for all the family, a ‘Day out with Thomas’ at the IW steam railway promises kids a fun filled day, meeting Thomas and his friends, getting an opportunity to ride on a steam train as well as going on a bouncy castle, watching Punch and Judy and even going for a ride on a very bumpy bus.
Here are just three events out of a whole host of activities to choose from whilst you are on your Isle of Wight breaks in July. Whilst on the island there really is no excuse to get bored. Check out some other ideas here.
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June 30th, 2010 Nikki
In a city like Bath there is always something on. From music to literature and entertainment to art events, Bath is a city that has a wealth of culture and activity for all those people that enjoy a Bath Weekend Break. In July there’s a unique experience to see Romans Bath by torch light, get to walk on 2000 year old pavements and experience the magical feeling that the Roman Bath buildings offer at night. Steaming waters, ancient buildings all seen by the soft light cannot be beaten. Take advantage of this experience as it runs from the 1st July right up until the end of August.
A new event is hitting Bath on the 3rd and 4th of July. The Bath Food and Drink Festival has a line up of the most tantalising food and beverages from top producers around the country. 130 local and regional producers will be there showing off their culinary delights offering tasters and sharing their knowledge of this growing industry.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Womad festival is being held on the beautiful grounds of Charlton Park on the 23rd July for two days. The Womad Festival, which stands for World of Music and Dance, celebrates music from around the world and different cultures. A typical festival will have a varied mix of live music performances, workshops, stalls and other events that are inclusive for children and adults alike.
If you are on a Bed and Breakfast Holiday in Bath this July make sure you put these top events in your itinerary.
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December 24th, 2009 Alex
Derby Market place has been invaded by wooden sculptures for the festive period. Huge penguins, soldiers, cars, a train, a plane, even a bear. But these aren’t warriors from a strange dimension where people are made of wood, nor are they fiendish barbarians who attacked the city and were cursed to remain as statues by a wizard. No, these wooden sculptures are the boring kind of wooden sculpture, the sort that was hewn from wood by somebody’s hands to create four foot tall penguins for Christmas. And to think you thought you’d have to have a Peak District holiday to see wood near Derby.
Wait! That’s not boring at all! That’s actually a little bit awesome!
Andrew Frost, a sculptor, has designed and created the statues for around £60,000, a lot of which came from grants and donations. The idea was to liven up Derby’s market and give children something to do whilst their parents are Christmas shopping, and it seems to have been a huge success, with children clambering all over these works of art with their dirty hands and feet.
Each statue represents one of the partners involved in their building, and so the penguins represent Derby university, the plane represents Rolls-Royce, the car Toyota, the bear Royal Crown Derby, the soldier Derby City Council, and the train Bombardier.
If you fancy spending the festive period in Derby and taking in the fine woodworks, then why not consider a holiday cottage in Derbyshire.
And we all hope you’re all looking forward to tomorrow.
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September 16th, 2009 Alex
Only this year, though.
The multi-award winning Bestival, one of the Isle of Wight’s many annual music festivals, has been going for five years now. You’ve missed it this year, but given its success there’s no reason that you couldn’t take the opportunity to visit next year.
The volume of festivals and carnivals are an excellent reason to consider Isle of Wight holidays, but with Bestival winding up last Sunday, let’s review that to see exactly what you were missing.
Headliners this year were Massive Attack, Kraftwerk and Elbow, each of which gave a spectacular performance to those near the stage, but sound problems on the Friday and Sunday meant that for those further back, Massive Attack and Elbow were lost amongst the sound drifting over from the other tents. Kraftwerk, on Saturday, avoided these problems, and gave a spectacular performance.
In addition to the mix of headliners, performances from Lily Alan, Florence and the Machine, the Fleet Foxes and Seasick Steve, as well as DJs Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Rob da Bank, meant that the variety of music available at Bestival was truly eclectic; something that the festival aspires to.
Every year there is also a theme, and punters are encouraged to dress up to match it. This year’s was space, and even the bands took part, with Elbow’s Guy Garvey telling the crowd they wouldn’t get an encore unless they hummed the Star Trek theme tune.
Although camping space is available, and the festival organisers provide a selection of gypsy caravans, yurts, squrts, cloudhouses, podpads and bellepads for visitors, there’re plenty of other options for Isle of Wight accommodation available. Hotels or Bed and Breakfasts guarantee you a degree more comfort and the opportunity to shower each day. It also means avoiding the festival toilets, at least some of the time.
Remember that Bestival isn’t the only music festival on the Isle of Wight either, and if you want something different you’ll probably be able to find it. If, on the other hand, it does sound like your type of thing, then I’m glad to have been of service.
Posted in Festivals, camping, isle of wight | 2 Comments »
