September 2007
More than 30,000 music fans flocked to Robin Hill Country Park near Newport
for the forth-annual Bestival weekend. Over 300 musicians and DJ's
performed to crowds amidst a variety of 14 different locations. From the main
stage to the Big Top, Club Dada and the Bandstand, each of the venues boasted
their very own unique and individual themes.
Often referred to as one of the
friendliest festivals you could ever hope to attend, happiness and enjoyment
was the name of the game at the Bestival, with the larger than life Chemical
Brothers, Hip Hop legends the Beastie Boys and Scottish rock group Primal
Scream headlining amongst many other famous names from right the way across the musical
spectrum.
A unique and spectacular collection of hand-picked classic cars made their
way across to the Island for two days of charity fundraising in mid-September.
The International Charity Classic Car Show Extravaganza, now in its sixth
year, was completely free to attend. This year the show opened at Newport Quay
with the vehicles moving further east to set up camp along Ryde Esplanade
on the Sunday. All that was asked of the thousands of spectators
who traveled to these locations to view the cars on display was that they
donate a small sum of money to the designated Island charity
of the day.
Thousands of enthusiastic cyclists limbered up for this year's Isle of Wight
Cycling Festival, now renowned for being one of the UK's favourite cycling
events. The festival featured over 40 different rides around the Island throughout
the 9-day event; encompassing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, picnic
rides, family routes, healthy excursions, off-road trails and children's activity
rides as well as the traditional big name challenges. Professional cyclist
Tony Doyle MBE officially opened the event at Seaclose Park with celebrity
gardener Charlie Dimmock on-hand to help get the proceedings off to a good
start. The launch day also featured a fantastic free cycle show, cycle safety
course and cycle circus, plus mountain bike stunt display.
Music lovers were given one final treat in September in the form of the very
first Isle of Wight Folk and Blues Festival. This event, like the Jazz Festival
in March, was set against the backdrop of Ventnor's stunning coastline and
offered a refreshing blend of the two popular musical genres plus a well proportioned
mix of established & traditional acts with the best of the new generation
of performers. A free fridge tent greeted musical enthusiasts and would-be
festival-goers and also played host to the Honky Tonk Bar, Mellow Yellow Diner
plus a busy programme of events including local acts and an open mic session.
What a year it has been! With such a varied collection of world-class sporting,
music and charitable events putting the Island on firmly on the map, it's
no wonder we await 2008 with great anticipation!
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