The Garlic Festival

It was estimated that around 20,000 people attended this year’s Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, which took place on Saturday and Sunday 19th and 20th August in Newchurch.

Building upon a well-founded reputation

As the years have progressed, the Island’s Garlic Farm has proudly inherited a reputation for being the best-known producer in Britain, now even exporting into mainland Europe!
This summer's event provided garlic lovers with the opportunity to celebrate this accolade, whilst allowing them to revel amidst fresh pungent Island garlic bulbs and to test out every conceivable garlic gadget. The various food tents housed garlic seafood, bread, sweet corn, and sausages; even garlic scented beer and ice cream which visitors of all ages were keen to explore.

The Garlic Festival has grown over the past 20 years to become a major Island event, second only to Cowes Week, and judging by the number of people in attendance throughout the two days, the continued popularity of this well-distinguished yet unique home-grown spectacle was clear for all to see.

Previously run by volunteers of the Newchurch Parish Sports & Community Association; this year the Garlic Festival was under new management with the organisers agreeing to donate half of any profit made to the IW Council Chairman’s chosen charity. Councillor Charles Chapman was present himself at the Garlic Festival site and was interviewed by IW Radio who were broadcasting live from the event.

An action-packed weekend with fun for all the family

With the principal intention of the festival being to provide a memorable day out for both Islanders and holidaymakers alike, besides garlic, visitors were also treated to demonstrations by various arena acts, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters and circus performers.
A large fun fair was also in attendance along with displays of classic cars, archery and country pursuits amongst dozens of other attractions, just some of which included; The Vander Brothers Millennium Wheel Spectacular, Amazon World Falconry, The RSCPA and their rescue dogs, Army Cadets, Military Museum, Fire Engines, The Bat Hospital, Youth Initiatives and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Bus plus Ryde Extreme Performers.

Familiar Faces and Familiar Sounds

Having been recently awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting, legendary Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker visited the Island to officially open the Garlic Festival 2006 and to announce the appearance of further celebrities such as Cockney favourites Chas 'n' Dave. Also present on the main stage throughout the course of the weekend were 60’s soul-sensation Clem Curtis and The Foundations, plus Island-based groups Evolution, Little Noddy Holder, Joe and the Drivers, Sharks and Area 51.

All of these acts succeeded in captivating the crowds. Spectators of every age coupled with pet dogs of every breed relaxed together amongst bales of hay to enjoy the sounds of Chas ‘n’ Dave on the Saturday.

They were later forced to forget the increasing summer breeze when Clem Curtis and the Foundations took to the stage on Sunday afternoon. Indulgent crowds let their hair down and took to their feet to sing and dance along to the well known lyrics of The Foundations “Build Me Up Buttercup” and “Baby Now That I’ve Found You.”

A chance to highlight what the Island has to offer

Many other well-known Island performers also helped to add to the wide and varied weekend entertainment schedule on show on the smaller second stage, which was situated in the centre of the site. These included Wight Harmony (Male Barbershop Choir), Martin Simpson (The Fossil Man) and David Randini (Magician). TV Actor and familiar Island resident Geoffrey Hughes was also present and made an appearance in the main arena alongside Garlic Festival Chairman and IW Radio Presenter David Holmes.

Great beer, cider, chutney and locally produced food was available in plentiful supply for attendees to sample amongst the numerous stands and marquees located around the site which focussed upon showcasing Island producers and local country crafts amidst a ‘speciality food theme.’

The Isle of Wight Council took responsibility for manning a very popular and informative marquee at the Garlic Festival where Islanders and visitors alike were able to go and gather information on various Council departments. The Island’s MP Andrew Turner and Councillor Andy Sutton, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council were also available throughout the weekend to discuss any issues or problems people may have had in a relaxed and informal manner.

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