Headlines
2025 – now taking Reservations and Bookings
2025 prices are much the same (and some even lower) as they were during this year, and again you’d be
welcome to Reserve your outline holiday dates with just a £100 deposit with nothing more to pay
until nearer the time.
Available Dates
Quotes & Bookings
General News
Car Ferry discounts worth up to £53
For any Chalet 28 holiday, once dates have been (at least) Reserved I’ll send you information and advice of how to get the best (cheapest) price for the ferry journeys that will be part of your holiday.
We have trade terms with both WightLink and Red Funnel Ferries covering all cross-Solent routes, so once your Chalet 28 has been fully paid for, if you wish I’ll send you the discount codes/ links ready for you to obtain worthwhile discounts ready for when you make your ferry bookings.
IoW Special Events (an example selection)
Following are outline details of some of the most popular events scheduled to take place during 2025 – Click on any event title for more information on it. I’ll be adding more as soon as Event Organisers publish details
Scooter Rally … August 25: Fri 22nd to Mon 25th (Bank Holiday weekend)
This iconic Bank Holiday fixture, the largest gathering in the world. Includes a spectacular 5 mile Sunday rideout
IoW Special Events Lists
On the following tabbed pages are outline details of just some of the events scheduled to take place next year, 2025. At the moment it's too early to start publishing a full list, but this I'll start doing as soon as details of each event are advertised.
In the meantime, as most events take place annually around the same dates of each year, I've left the 2024 dates showing so as to give you a good idea of what to expect in 2025.
Any event title in blue can be clicked to take you to more information about it.
2024 Event Dates
Sat 20 & Sun 21 Apr ... Car Sprint Speed Trials
A weekend of high-performance cars on display and racing along a seafront road
Sat 18 & Sun 19 May ... Takeover Car Event
An annual meet-up of car clubs from across the UK. See the cars, meet the owners, join in with the entertainments and evening party
Fri 19 to Sun 21 Jul ... Pride Festival
The annual 3 day gathering of the LGBTQIA+ community at which to socialise, parade, and party
Sat 20 Jul ... Newport Main Carnival
Early evening procession. The first of the 16 carnivals held on the Island each year
Sat 27 Jul ... Sandown Children's Carnival
Daytime event staged on the seafront about a mile away from Chalet 28
Sat 27 Jul ... Sandown Main Carnival
Early evening procession that also starts less than a mile away from Chalet 28
Sun 4 Aug ... Shanklin Children's Carnival
An afternoon event that takes place near Shanklin Old Village
Wed 7 Aug ... Shanklin Main Carnival
Early evening procession. The route is around the town, but also includes going through the Old Village
Sat 10 Aug ... Shanklin Illuminated Carnival
Late evening procession.
Wed 14 Aug ... Ventnor Children's Carnival
Daytime event
Wed 14 Aug ... Ventnor Main Carnival
Evening procession followed by fireworks in Ventnor Park
Sat 17 Aug ... Ventnor Illuminated Carnival
Late evening procession.
Thu 22 Aug ... Newport Illuminated Carnival
Late evening procession.
Fri 23 to Mon 26 Aug ... Scooter Rally
This iconic Bank Holiday fixture, the largest gathering in the world. Includes a spectacular 5 mile Sunday rideout
Sat 24 Aug ... Ryde Children's Day
A five hour long daytime programme of events, entertainments, and activities for children
Weds 28 Aug ... Sandown Illuminated Carnival
Seafront start at 8.30 pm
Wed 28 Aug ... Ryde Main Carnival
The original and oldest carnival in the world, and the largest of those held annually on the Island
Sat 31 Aug ... Ryde Illuminated Carnival
The original and oldest carnival in the world, and the largest of those held annually on the Island
Sat 7 & Sun 8 Sep ... Classic Car Extravaganza
The Extravaganza moved to a seafront setting
2024 Event Dates
Sat 6 & Sun 7 Apr ... Spring Art & Garden Fair
Everything horticultural plus Island artists displaying their paintings
Sat 4 to Mon 6 May ... Real Ale Festival
Large choice of local ales & ciders, plus others from throughout the UK
Sat 11 May ... Riverfest Festival
A large traditional village fete style event spread across an historic river quayside. A free community and family event
Sat 18 & Sun 19 May ... Takeover Car Event
An annual meet-up of car clubs from across the UK. See the cars, meet the owners, join in with the entertainments and evening party
Sun 19 May ... Festival of Transport
Staged in a tented field with an open arena, dozens of cars, bikes, and trucksfrom bygone eras – on display and in action
Sat 23 May ... Bungee Jump Challenge
Primarily a charitable fund raising event - a day of jumping adventure to watch or take part in
Sat 1 Jun ... Reggae Festival
In an open-air setting, live performance plus dj sets , plus fair & food stalls and children's entertainments
Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun ... Sixties Weekend
Centred on 1967 – participation, displays, and artefacts from the fashion, music,
and lifestyles of this colourful decade
Thu 20 to Sun 23 Jun ... IoW Music Festival
This huge iconic 4 day live music event regularly attracts c.50.000 . The Medina Riverside festival arenas are not far from Chalet 28.
Sat 29 & Sun 30 Jun ... Shedfest
Centring on 'Men in Sheds' skills, activities, and demos, a weekend including live music, stalls, games, & refreshments
Fri 5 to Sun 7 Jul ... Scoobfest
The annual display / camp / party weekend for Subaru car owners to which the general public are invited on the Sunday
Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jul ... 1940s Experience
Centred on the “war years” – displays, vehicles,and artefacts from the events, characters, and lifestyles of this significant decade
Thu 11 to Sat 13 Jul .... Big Beach Weekender
Themed music and dance parties across 3 nights. Thursday – Comedy; Friday – 90s Dance Music; Saturday – Dance music all eras
Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul ... County Show
The huge annual family event showcasing the lifestyle, work, produce, and goodsof the wider agricultural and rural communities
Sun 21 Jul ... Highland Cultural Gathering
A day of Scottish culture celebration - Highland dancing, music, lifestyle, dress, etc ... and whisky tasting!
Wed 7 Aug ... Skydiving Challenge
An event to watch up to 15 sponsored volunteers dive from an altitude of 10,000 ft .. and all in aid of charity
Sat 17 & Sun 18 Aug ... Garlic Festival
A weekend of everything garlic plus live music & children's entertainments
Fri 23 to Mon 26 Aug ... Scooter Rally
This iconic Bank Holiday fixture, the largest gathering in the world. Includes a spectacular 5 mile Sunday rideout
Sun 1 Sep ... Morris Minor Car Rally
Saloons, Travellers, Panel vans - dozens of models and variations of this iconic British Car from a bygone age
Sat 7 Sep ... Classic Car Extravaganza
Around 1,000 vintage, custom, retro, and rare cars on display in an open-air arena
Sun 8 Sep ... Cider & Cheese Festival
More than 30 ciders and huge variety of cheeses on offer. Marquee & open-air setting with live music
Sat 12 & Sun 13 Oct ... Beer & Steam Event
A weekend of sampling local beers made by Island breweries alongside ales from breweries around the UK
2024 Event Dates
Sat 30 Mar... Jack Up the Sixties
The Zoots 5-piece band on stage performing classic hits of the 1960s
Sun 7 Apr ... Guv Island
Al Murray, aka The Pub Landlord, on part of his 2024 UK & Ireland Tour
Thu 18 Apr ... Beatles, Bowie & Me
Stage show presented by legendary Djs Nicky Horne & Alex Dyke sharing their stories, memories, & rare recordings
Sat 11 & Sun 12 May ... Model Railway Exhibition
For young & old alike, several layouts set up within the backdrop of a heritage railway station
Sat 15 & Sun 18 Jun ... Gin Event
Over the weekend, the opportunity to enjoy craft gins and spirits, and taste samples on offer from onsite craft distillers
Sat 13 Jul ... Real Ale Event
A day of enjoying locally and guest real ales whether in an Events Barn, on a heritage Train, or at a station or two along the track!
Fri 19 to Sun 28 Jul ... Ventnor Fringe Festival
Ten days of cultural events within a network of streets and small venues
Fri 19 to Sun 22 Sep ... Jazz Weekend
Very best of the UK jazz scene, Four days of gigs at venues all around a town centre
Thu 3 to Sun 6 Oct ... Literary Festival
A long weekend of everything books set out in an historic building – see what's around, meet the authors, listen to speakers
2024 Event Dates
Sat 4 & Sun 5 May ... Ultra Walking Challenge
Up to 2,000 adventurers taking on a series of challenging linked walks,
1/4 – 10 miles long, that zig-zag across the Island
Sun 5 May ... Randonee Cycling Event
Up to 3,000 participants cycling (not racing) a 55 or 100Km route around the Island.
Watch, or take part for free
Sat 11 to Sun 19 May ... Spring Walking Festival
Island-wide, throughout the week a choice of 55 guided walks ranging
From flat & gentle to tough & hilly
Sat 23 May ... Bungee Jump Challenge
Primarily a charitable fund raising event - a day of jumping adventure to
Watch or take part in
Sat 15 Jun ... Round the Island Yacht Race
An annual all-day event with more than 1,000 yachts taking part.
Almost from our terrace, Chalet 28 is an excellent viewpoint
Sun 7 Jul to Sat 13 Jul ... Cowes Classics Week
Following on from the Classics Day, 3 or 4 yacht races a day,
Weather permitting
Fri 26 to Sun 28 Jul ... Beach Sports Festival
Played on all-sand courts, a 3 day mix of volleyball, soccer, netball, etc games
And tournaments, plus paddle boarding nearby
Sat 27 Jul to Fri 2 Aug ... Cowes Week
The historic event that annually attracts around 750 boats & 7,000 crew,
for 40 races in 7 days, and watched by c.100,000 spectators
Wed 7 Aug ... Skydiving Challenge
An event to watch up to 15 sponsored volunteers dive from an altitude of
10,000 ft .. and all in aid of charity
Thu 8 Aug ... Shanklin Regatta
Set along the seafront, a day of beach sports, live music & entertainment,
Plus a street market and food & drink village
Sat 10 Aug ... Sandown Bay Regatta
As for the Shanklin event, but including sea sports, play, and activities
Tue 13 to Thu 15 Aug ... Seaview Regatta
Three days of mainly sea events such as sailing, swimming, diving, rowing, etc
Sat 5 to Sun 13 Oct ... Autumn Walking Festival
Island-wide, throughout the week a choice of 55 guided walks ranging
From flat & gentle to tough & hilly
Sun 6 Oct ... Full Marathon
Annually since 1957 – the longest continuous such event in the UK.
Sat 2 Nov ... Race the Train Challenge
Runners compete in a 5Km race with a steam train
2024 Event Dates
Sat 15 Jun ... Round the Island Yacht Race
An annual all-day event with more than 1,000 yachts taking part.
Almost from our terrace, Chalet 28 is an excellent viewpoint
Sun 7 Jul ... Classic vehicles and boats display
As an opening event to a week of “old school” sailing, c.40 classic and
interesting cars and buses, plus classic boats, are all on display
Sun 7 Jul to Sat 13 Jul ... Cowes Classics Week
Following on from the Classics Day, 3 or 4 yacht races a day,
Weather permitting
Thu 11 to Sat 13 Jul .... Big Beach Weekender
Themed music and dance parties across 3 nights. Thursday – Comedy;
Friday – 90s Dance Music; Saturday – Dance music all eras
Sat 20 Jul ... Pier to Pier Swim
An annual swimming event over the past 70 years. A 1.8 mile long competitive
Race over open water
Fri 26 to Sun 28 Jul ... Beach Sports Festival
Played on all-sand courts, a 3 day mix of volleyball, soccer, netball, etc games
And tournaments, plus paddle boarding nearby
Sat 27 Jul to Fri 2 Aug ... Cowes Week
The historic event that annually attracts around 750 boats & 7,000 crew,
for 40 races in 7 days, and watched by c.100,000 spectators
Thu 8 Aug ... Shanklin Regatta
Set along the seafront, a day of beach sports, live music & entertainment,
Plus a street market and food & drink village
Sat 10 Aug ... Sandown Bay Regatta
As for the Shanklin event, but including sea sports, play, and activities
Tue 13 to Thu 15 Aug ... Seaview Regatta
Three days of mainly sea events such as sailing, swimming, diving, rowing, etc
2024 Event Dates
Sat 4 to Mon 6 May ... Real Ale Festival
Large choice of local ales & ciders, plus others from throughout the UK
Sat 15 & Sun 18 Jun ... Gin Event
Over the weekend, the opportunity to enjoy craft gins and spirits, and taste
samples on offer from onsite craft distillers
Sat 29 & Sun 30 Jun ... Shedfest
Centring on 'Men in Sheds' skills, activities, and demos, a weekend
including live music, stalls, games, & refreshments
Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul ... County Show
The huge annual family event showcasing the lifestyle, work, produce, and goods
Of the wider agricultural and rural communities
Sat 13 Jul ... Real Ale Event
A day of enjoying locally and guest real ales whether in an Events Barn, on a
Heritage Train, or at a station or two along the track!
Sun 21 Jul ... Highland Cultural Gathering
A day of Scottish culture celebration - Highland dancing, music, lifestyle, dress, etc
... and whisky tasting!
Sat 17 & Sun 18 Aug ... Garlic Festival
A weekend of everything garlic plus live music & children's entertainments
Sun 8 Sep ... Cider & Cheese Festival
More than 30 ciders and huge variety of cheeses on offer. Marquee &
Open air setting with live music
Sat 12 & Sun 13 Oct ... Beer & Steam Event
A weekend of sampling local beers made by Island breweries alongside ales
From breweries around the UK
2024 Event Dates
Sat 6 & Sun 7 Apr ... Spring Art & Garden Fair
Everything horticultural plus Island artists displaying their paintings
Fri 26 to Mon 29 Apr ... Bioblitz Weekend
Hands-on project to log and record native species discovered at the
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Sat 11 May ... Riverfest Festival
A large traditional village fete style event spread across an historic river quayside.
A free community and family event
Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul ... County Show
The huge annual family event showcasing the lifestyle, work, produce, and goods
Of the wider agricultural and rural communities
Fri 19 to Sun 28 Jul ... Ventnor Fringe Festival
Ten days of cultural events within a network of streets and small venues
Sun 21 Jul ... Highland Cultural Gathering
A day of Scottish culture celebration - Highland dancing, music, lifestyle, dress, etc
... and whisky tasting!
Thu 3 to Sun 6 Oct ... Literary Festival
A long weekend of everything books set out in an historic building –
See what's around, meet the authors, listen to speakers
2024 Event Dates
Sun 24 Mar ... Toy Story Takeover
Family Song & Dance show presented by the Starlight Academy
Thu 28 Mar - Sat 13 Apr ... Easter Wonderland
Expect quirky characters, farmyard tales and flamboyant activities
Fri 29 Mar to Fri 12 Apr ... Easter Egg Hunt
School term holiday families event. Daily Easter egg hunts around
Buildings and in the Enchanted Woods
Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 Apr ... Easter Madagascar Madness
Bring your littl e cubs – there will be tons of Easter surprises for the
Whole family to enjoy.
Sat 11 & Sun 12 May ... Model Railway Exhibition
For young & old alike, several layouts set up within the backdrop of a
Heritage railway station
Sat 18 & Sun 19 May ... Hullabaloo
Aimed at younger generations, a science, nature, & arts display &
Events gathering in a seafront setting
Sat 29 & Sun 30 Jun ... FOCAS Festival
A family event to help make science and conservation more accessible
to all children in fun and imaginative ways
Sat 20 Jul ... Newport Main Carnival
Early evening procession. The first of the 16 carnivals held on the Island
Each year
Sat 27 Jul ... Sandown Children's Carnival
Daytime event staged on the seafront about a mile away from Chalet 28
Sat 27 Jul ... Sandown Main Carnival
Early evening procession that also starts less than a mile away from Chalet 28
Sun 4 Aug ... Shanklin Children's Carnival
An afternoon event that takes place near Shanklin Old Village
Wed 7 Aug ... Shanklin Main Carnival
Early evening procession. The route is around the town, but also includes going
Through the Old Village
Sat 10 Aug ... Shanklin Illuminated Carnival
Late evening procession.
Wed 14 Aug ... Ventnor Children's Carnival
Daytime event
Wed 14 Aug ... Ventnor Children's Carnival
Daytime event
Sat 17 & Sun 18 Aug ... Garlic Festival
A weekend of everything garlic plus live music & children's entertainments
Sat 17 Aug ... Ventnor Illuminated Carnival
Late evening procession.
Thu 22 Aug ... Newport Illuminated Carnival
Late evening procession.
Sat 24 Aug ... Ryde Children's Day
A five hour long daytime programme of events, entertainments, and activities
for children
Weds 28 Aug ... Sandown Illuminated Carnival
Seafront start at 8.30 pm
Wed 28 Aug ... Ryde Main Carnival
The original and oldest carnival in the world, and the largest of those held
Annually on the Island
Fri 26 Oct to Fri 1 Nov ... Wizard Week
Half-term Holiday fun and entertainment for the kids – dressing up up, magic
Shows, haunted woods, birds of prey
2024 Event Dates
Sat 30 Mar... Jack Up the Sixties
The Zoots 5-piece band on stage performing classic hits of the 1960s
Thu 18 Apr ... Beatles, Bowie & Me
Stage show presented by legendary Djs Nicky Horne & Alex Dyke sharing their stories, memories, & rare recordings
Sat 1 Jun ... Reggae Festival
In an open-air setting, live performance plus dj sets , plus fair & food stalls and children's entertainments
Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun ... Sixties Weekend
Centred on 1967 – participation, displays, and artefacts from the fashion, music, and lifestyles of this colourful decade
Sat 8 Jun ... Taylor Mania Extravaganza
A tribute concert celebrating the music, singing, and iconic career of Taylor Swift – a must for all Swifties!
Thu 20 to Sun 23 Jun ... IoW Music Festival
This huge iconic 4 day live music event regularly attracts c.50.000 . The Medina Riverside festival arenas are not far from Chalet 28.
Fri 5 Jul ... Sunset Music Sessions
In an open-air clifftopp setting, Judge Jules comperes an adults-only dance music party
Sat 6 Jul ... Abba Chique Party Night
The 5-piece Abba Chique tribute band perform the glitzy and energetic songs and music of the legendary Swedish band
Thu 11 to Sat 13 Jul .... Big Beach Weekender
Themed music and dance parties across 3 nights. Thursday – Comedy; Friday – 90s Dance Music; Saturday – Dance music all eras
Fri 19 to Sun 21 Jul ... Pride Festival
The annual 3 day gathering of the LGBTQIA+ community at which to socialise, parade, and party
Sun 21 Jul ... Highland Cultural Gathering
A day of Scottish culture celebration - Highland dancing, music, lifestyle, dress, etc ... and whisky tasting!
Sat 27 Jul ... Proms Music Concert
The IoW Symphony Orchestra play a selection of light classics in an open-air “bring a picnic” style setting
Fri 16 Aug ... Ibiza Vibes Dance Music
Sunset Sessions of 'Ibiza' style dance music presented by DJ Nathan Dawe + guests
Fri 19 to Sun 22 Sep ... Jazz Weekend
Very best of the UK jazz scene, Four days of gigs at venues all around a Town centre
2024 Event Dates
Jack Up the Sixties ... March 24: Sat 30th
The Zoots 5-piece band on stage performing classic hits of the 1960s
Model Railway Exhibition ... May 24: Sat 11th & Sun 12th
For young & old alike, several layouts set up within the backdrop of a Heritage railway station
Festival of Transport ... May 24: Sun 19th
Staged in a tented field with an open arena, dozens of cars, bikes, and trucks from bygone eras – on display and in action
Sixties Weekend ... June 24: Sat 1st & Sun 2nd
Centred on 1967 – participation, displays, and artefacts from the fashion, music, and lifestyles of this colourful decade
1940s Experience ... July 24: Sat 6th & Sun 7th
Centred on the “war years” – displays, vehicles,and artefacts from the events, characters, and lifestyles of this significant decade
Classic vehicles and boats display ... July 24: Sun 7th
As an opening event to a week of “old school” sailing, c.40 classic and interesting cars and buses, plus classic boats, are all on display
Cowes Classics Week ... July 24: Sun 7th to Sat 13th
Following on from the Classics Day, 3 or 4 yacht races a day (weather permitting)
Royal County Show ... July 24: Sat 13th & Sun 14th
The huge annual family event showcasing the lifestyle, work, produce, and goods of the wider agricultural and rural communities
Summer Party Music & Dance ... August 24: Sat 10th & Sun 11th
A mix of original & tribute artistes perform a selection of popular tracks dating as far back as the Sixties
Scooter Rally ... August 24: Fri 23rd to Mon 26th (August Bank Holiday weekend)
This iconic Bank Holiday fixture, the largest gathering in the world. Includes a spectacular 5 mile Sunday rideout
Morris Minor Car Rally ... September 24: Sun 1st
Saloons, Travellers, Panel vans - dozens of models and variations of this iconicBritish Car from a bygone age
Classic Car Extravaganza - Arena ... September 24: Sat 7th
Around 1,000 vintage, custom, retro, and rare cars on display in an open-air arena
Classic Car Extravaganza - Parade ... September 24: Sun 8th
The Extravaganza moved to a seafront setting
Scooter Rally ... August 25: Fri 22nd to Mon 25th (Bank Holiday weekend)
This iconic Bank Holiday fixture, the largest gathering in the world. Includes a spectacular 5 mile Sunday rideout
2024 Event Dates
Car Sprint Speed Trials ... April 24: Sat 20th, Sun 21st
A weekend of high-performance cars on display and racing along a seafront road
Takeover Car Event ... May 24: Sat 18th, Sun 19th
An annual meet-up of car clubs from across the UK. See the cars, meet the owners. Join in with the entertainments and evening party
Festival of Transport ... May 24: Sun 19th
Staged in a tented field with an open arena, dozens of cars, bikes, and trucks from bygone eras – on display and in action
Scoobfest ... July 24: Fri 5th to Sun 7th
The annual display / camp / party weekend for Subaru car owners to which the general public are invited on the Sunday
Scooter Rally ... August 24: Fri 23 to Mon 26 (Bank Holiday weekend)
This iconic Bank Holiday fixture, the largest gathering in the world. Includes a spectacular 5 mile Sunday rideout
Morris Minor Car Rally ... September 24: Sun 1st
Saloons, Travellers, Panel vans - dozens of models and variations of this iconic British Car from a bygone age
Classic Car Extravaganza - Display ... September 24: Sat 7th
Around 1,000 vintage, custom, retro, and rare cars on display in an open-air arena
Classic Car Extravaganza - Parade ... September 24: Sun 8th
The Extravaganza moves to a seafront setting