Guide to what's on Isle Wight 2011, just a rough guide based on last year- but should give you a good insight.
Osborne House, Gardens & Swiss Cottage
The country retreat of Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert. Visit the sumptuous Royal Apartments and the intimate family rooms, including Queen Victoria's bedroom where she died in 1901. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Indian décor and exquisite gifts in the Durbar Room and take a peek at life 'below stairs' in the Table Deckers' Rooms. Unwind in the spectacular grounds with stunning views across the eastern Solent and don't miss the newly restored Victorian Walled Garden with flowers, triumphal arches of Victoria plums and hot houses full of exotic plants.

Take a Victorian horse & carriage ride to Swiss Cottage where the Royal children played and see the miniature furniture made especially for them. Next door is a fort, a little museum housing their collections and their flower & vegetable gardens with garden tools.

Special activity sheets help children get the most from their day. There is a children's play area, the lovely Terrace Restaurant and Orangery, café and tea rooms serving children's meals. Baby changing facilities are available.

Opened in 2006, The Petty Officer's Quarters houses a café, an extensive shop and exhibition which covers various aspects of the sumptuously furnished house and magnificent grounds, as well as the lives and personalities of the Victorian royal family and the servants who cared for them.

May
Ribex
7-9 May 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Cowes Yacht Haven

RIBEX is the world’s only boat show dedicated solely to Rigid Inflatable Boats. Includes World launches of RIBS and related gear, RIB rides, demonstrations & attractions, new area for 'Starter RIB Packages', test leisure & professional craft in open water, excellent on the spot show deals, air, land & sea displays, excellent food & bar on site. Ribex is a fun and exciting family day out.
RIBFEST 2011 (actual date not fixed yet)
8 May 2011 (actual date not fixed yet). Cowes Yacht Haven
On the night of the 8th of May, the ‘RIBEX ROCKS’ festival stage will see chart topping, high-energy, folk rock artist, Seth Lakeman and his band, headlining a three band concert bill that will also include, ‘Special Guests’, Swans In Flight.

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival 8-23 May 2011 (actual date not fixed yet)
With more than half of the Island recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 500 miles of well-maintained footpaths , it's no wonder the Isle of Wight is home to the UK's largest walking festival. There are over 200 guided walks for 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), many of which are themed including heritage trails, fossil hunting and even a speed dating walk!

Whether you’d like to build your confidence through Fire walking, increase your mental and physical wellbeing through Tai Chi and Meditation or find that special someone through Speed Dating, the Walking Festival has it all.

 ISLAND GAMES 2011 Athlete accommodation isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has won their bid to host the 2011 Island Games, after fighting off tough competition from Bermuda in the final two. The decision was made at the Annual General Meeting of the Island Games Association, which took place in Rhodes on Saturday 8th July
The Isle of Wight has been an enthusiastic member of the International Island Games since the inaugural Games were held in the Isle of Man in 1985. We have also been participants in the World Youth Games since their inception
Sports include Archery Athletics BadmintonBasketball Cycling
Football Golf Sailing Shooting - Clay Pigeon Shooting - Target
Squash Swimming Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball Windsurfing

 

Family Discovery Walks: Short walks with plenty of exciting things to see and do, in town, country or on the beach. Walk in the footsteps of prehistoric dinosaurs or learn about the secret life of rock pools. For children, join in the Pram and Toddler walks – a great way to enjoy a stroll with the family. Alternatively join in one of our fascinating Story walks where children can walk along the shore at low tide searching for sea glass, driftwood and limpet shells – which will be woven into further tales.

Ghost Walks: We won’t let you rest when darkness falls! Keep close behind our guides as they regale you with tales of mystery and suspense!

Food Walks: The guilt free way to have your cake and eat it! Honey for Tea and Chale Tea Party walks will burn off enough energy to enjoy guilt free indulgence of tea and cakes.

Garden Walks: The Garden Isle offers an abundance of breathtaking flora and fauna. Take in the stunning scenery and historical gardens on one of the many garden walks – Changing the Beds at Osborne, Bedding and Bluebells.

The festival culminates in"Walk the Wight" a challenging 26.5 mile walk around the Island in aid of The Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Shorter walks and a flat walk are also available.
Walk the Wight
16 May 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Bembridge to Alum Bay

Register now for the 20th anniversary of Walk the Wight. This is the largest sponsored walk in the South and covers the breadth of the Isle of Wight raising money for the Island’s Hospice which cares for over 800 terminally ill patients every year. In 2009 over 11,500 people Walked the Wight raising over £319,000 towards patient care.
Isle of Wight Festival
11-13 June 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Seaclose Park, Newport
JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race
19 June 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), starting at Cowes

One of the world’s largest and most famous yachting races, the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race takes place in Cowes, Isle of Wight, England and attracts an annual entry of up to 1800 boats.

Fresh from scooping the prize for Best Major UK Festival at the 2007 UK Festival Awards, the legendary Isle of Wight Festival is once again set to thrill tens of thousand of fans on the 12th, 13th & 14th June.
Midsummer Jazz
26 June 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Havenstreet

For One Night Only, a sensational open-air festival of jazz featuring the World famous Pasadena Roof Orchestra, the fabulous Swing Commanders and the good-time Goose Island Syncopators. Gates open from 5pm and you can bring your own picnic or delve into the Station Restaurant which is available until 7pm. Our Real Ale Bar and Wine Bar will be open all evening
Mosaic of Words Storytelling Festival
30 April - 2 May 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Brading Roman Villa

The Island Storytellers are presenting a storytelling festival for all ages at Brading Roman Villa over May bank holiday weekend. Activities include a meal at the villa accompanied by stories, a workshop, children's and adult's performances and a storytelling competition
Cowes Week
31 July-7 August 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Cowes/Solent

A permanent fixture in the summer social calendar, Cowes Week offers a fantastic experience for sailors and non-sailors alike. Held since 1826, this prestigious regatta attracts up to a thousand boats ranging from hi-tech super yachts to classic day boats. Thousands of spectators flock to Cowes each year to soak up the unique party atmosphere which culminates with a spectacular firework display on the Friday night.
Rhythm Tree Festival
16-18 July 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Calbourne

A fusion of didgeridoo, Samba and World Music in the beautiful setting of Calbourne Water Mill. The line-up includes the awesome Baka Beyond, Kanagaroo Moon and many more making it one of the hottest world music festivals of the summer.
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
14-15 August 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Totland Bay
August Family Events at Carisbrooke Castle
Throughout August, Carisbrooke Castle, Nr Newport

Children will love dressing up as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers, and meeting the castle's famous donkeys, while for the grown-ups, the new Edwardian style Princess Beatrice Garden is a joy to explore.

Over 20,000 visitors are expected to attend, sampling the famous garlic sausages, garlic beer, and even garlic Ice Cream. The event also showcases the best of Island produce, plays host to the Wurzels, Alvin Stardust, remarkable circus performers and exotic animals, not to mention a huge beer tent and classic car show.
The British Powerboat Festival
25-30 August 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Cowes, Isle of Wight

The Formula One of the Sea, powerboat racing returns to the Solent with the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes endurance race and the UIM Marathon Series World Cup. With thrills on the water and plenty of shoreside entertainment, its a great day out for the whole family.
36th Island Steam show
27 -30 August 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Havenstreet

An action-packed show and great family day out! Stunning shows including ‘Legends’ Medieval Jousting in the main arena, will make you gasp, cheer and laugh … And see silly things to do with traction engines, plus lots to keep you entertained all day! Climb aboard the traditional fairground rides ... And marvel at the beautifully maintained traction engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and old wagons. With steam train rides, stalls, country crafts, refreshments, and even a Red Indian encampment, the Island Steam Show will make your August Bank Holiday a weekend to remember!
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally
28-30 August 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Ryde


Held in Ryde over the August bank holiday, the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally has been taking place for over 10 years and is now firmly established in the Isle of Wight event calendar. Every August bank holiday thousands of scooter enthusiasts from all over the world descend on the Island to celebrate iconic Italian design and British youth culture.
Wolverton Manor Garden Fair
4 & 5 September 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Shorwell

Set in the magnificent gardens of Wolverton Manor the annual Garden fair features stalls and horticulturAl displays from local and mainland nurseries, as well as a themed Elizabethan village complete with fantastical costumes, delicious food and magical musicians. The fair is run in aid of Age Concern and many other deserving local charities.
Bestival
10-12 September 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Robin Hill Country Park, Newport

Robin Hill will once again come alive with the sound of music! Bestival devotees can expect another eclectic and inspired range of artists for 2011 (actual date not fixed yet). The music is only part of what makes Bestival so magical. The family friendly atmosphere and weird and wonderful events and attractions such as the famous fancy dress carnival and the inflatable church helped make Bestival 2009 the "Best Medium Sized Festival" at the UK Festival Awards.
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
18-26 September 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Island wide

The Cycling Festival returns for 2011 (actual date not fixed yet) with its mix of events and activities to suit all ages and abilities. Hardcore cyclists can take their pick from the notorious Hills Killer Challenge; a gruelling orienteering mountain bike race against the clock, over 3, 7 or 14 hills, or attempt to "Cycle the Wight" a 65 mile road ride around the Island in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Alternatively, you can simply join in with one of many rides taking place all over the Island, and enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of your saddle.
Big Wight Matter
24-26 September 2011 (actual date not fixed yet), Brighstone

Now in its second year, Big Wight Matter is set to be THE family walking festival on the Isle of Wight. The weekend festival is a time for you to enjoy with your family the breathtaking coastal views and beaches of West Wight, with a 15 mile walk and a shorter walk for little legs. Come Saturday evening, you can dip tired toes into the pool at Brighstone, or revel into the night with a hog roast, games, beer tent and live music as the sun sets over the cliff tops.

Big Wight Matter is being organised to support the charities brainstrust and Brain Tumour Research

October Half Term Monday 25th – Friday 29th and Sunday 31st
It may spooky ... It might be scary ... But you’ll have a Wizard time!
In a puff of steam, marvel at the magic shows, explore the enchanting Woodland Walk, enjoy relaxing steam train rides, see owls and birds of prey ... But are you brave enough to meet the bats?!
Dress-up as wizards, witches and other spooky characters – there’s prizes each day for the best costumes – and enter our Halloween colouring competition.
It’s Halloween fun for all the family at Haven Street railway during Autumn Half-term week.