The quirkiest festivals on the Isle of Wight
As well as being a popular destination for getting away from it all, the Isle of Wight also hosts a range of quirky and unusual events. Here are our recommendations for the most unusual and quirky events still to come in 2019:
Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
From 17 – 18 August, the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is taking place just outside of Newchurch. The show includes food and entertainment from huge marquees featuring cookery demos, hundreds of arts and crafts stalls, local produce available to buy, live music and children’s entertainers. In collaboration with the Island’s well know Garlic Farm, this annual festival is the perfect family day out.
Fan TC Con
On 24 and 25 August, a special fan-run event, Fan TC Con (Fantasy Trade & Comic Con), is taking place at Cowes Enterprise College in Cowes. A must-see event for those interested in pop culture, sci-fi and comics, the event will include a number of celebrity guests such as Colin Baker from Doctor Who and Martin Ballantyne from The Dark Knight and Harry Potter. Aside from this, there’s plenty of other entertainment including face painting, nerf battle activity and a charity auction.
Cider and Cheese Weekend Festival
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is hosting its third Cider & Cheese Weekend where visitors can relax in the ambience of Havenstreet Station with a pint of cider and platter of cheese, whilst watching the trains pass by. On 21 and 22 September, visitors to the station can enjoy a selection of ciders and different cheeses from the bar between 11am and 5pm. Entry to the event is completely free however those wishing to travel on the steam train will need to purchase tickets.
Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer and Walks Weekend
For those that like classic buses, enjoy beers and also a countryside walk, this free event taking place on 12 and 13 October takes visitors on vintage bus tours around the Island, with pub stops along the way. There is the chance to try speciality beers, try different walking routes and this year there will be more family friendly venues to cater to a wider age group.
For more Isle of Wight inspiration, visit our Wightlink Explorer.
