Isle of Wight News on Ventnor Blog

The future of two of the three theatres that the Isle of Wight council looks after for the Island have once again come up for discussion (original discussions of closure first floated in 2007).

A cabinet meeting on 19 January 2010 will decide the future of both Ryde and Shanklin Theatres.

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People often say that nothing happens on the Isle of Wight but having run VentnorBlog for the past four years, we know this is far from true – so we’ve setup the Events On The Wight Website to prove these nay-sayers wrong.

Crammed full of Island-wide events from Art exhibitions to Zumbatomics (that’s aerobics to salsa type music to uninitiated), we hope that the uncluttered, easy-to-use site gives you many ways to find an event – whether it be by the day, venue or type of activity.

Bringing together all of the experiences we’ve gathered from running VentnorBlog, we’ve worked alongside Birmingham Web developer and all-round super hero Joshua Hart to build what some have compared to London’s TimeOut for the Island.

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You might have noticed that we’ve recently started publishing reviews of film DVDs by Liam Madden.

The first when out on a Saturday, but we’ve been thinking that switching it over to Thursday will probably be best. That way, if you’re looking for something to watch over the weekend, you might be tempted by the offering.

Don’t forget you can rent the films on DVD overnight at Island libraries at a costs of just 49p for children and 98p for adults.

image: nickstone333 under CC BY 2.0

If you haven’t made plans for tonight yet why not consider a trip to the Winter Gardens in Ventnor?

The LDN Wrestling team will be crossing the Solent today (let’s hope they have a smooth crossing) and making their way down to Ventnor.

The team are promising a night of fantastic family entertainment at what was last time, a sell out event.

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, give the Winter Gardens a call on 857581 to book yours today.

During the summer, one member of the Ventnor community had a very magical time.

Ventnor magician, Chris Philpott, doesn’t just have aspirations to work in the entertainment industry, he’s been living the dream.

During the summer, Chris worked as a magician during a month long engagement in Canada working alongside another performer, Tim Vallillee.

He’d been asked by Tim, a highly regarded entertainer in Nova Scotia, if he’d accompany him on his Tour of Magical Shows throughout the province of Nova Scotia.

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Thanks to Wendy for sending through details of this great offer and reminding us about the Wolverton Manor Garden Far which was absolutely brilliant last year. Ed

Island charity Independent Arts is auctioning a pair of Bestival tickets at Wolverton Manor Garden Fair in Shorwell this weekend (5 and 6 September).

With Bestival just one week away and tickets already sold out, this could be a good way to get your hands on a pair, and support a worthwhile local charity at the same time.

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Folk group ‘Seize The Day’ have created a song for the Vestas protesters.

Last night they performed it publicly for the first time. They will perform it again today at Vestas this morning before the march and then outside the Court in Newport.

An interview with the band follows.

Video after the jump
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Carnival season has started on the Isle of Wight and the Ventnor Carnival Committee have been working hard to make sure that residents and holidaymakers can get the very most out of Carnival week here in Ventnor.

We’ll be bringing you reminders of the events nearer the time, but for now, stick these dates in your diaries to make sure you don’t miss out.

Sunday 2nd August
Carnival Slide Show at the Winter Gardens, 7pm

Sunday 9th August
Morning Service at Saint Catherine’s Church 11am
Carnival Quiz Night 7.30pm

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Fans of Thomas the Tank engine should head down to Havenstreet Steam Railway this weekend.

For five days from Saturday the famous steam engine, loved by young and old, will be in residence on the Isle of Wight.

Take a ride behind a steam train, meet ‘Sir Topham Hatt’ and Mrs Kyndley, and enjoy a host of fun-filled activities with Thomas, the ‘Troublesome Trucks,’ Mavis the diesel engine and Trevor the traction engine.

But that’s not all, you can also take part in a treasure hunt and enjoy Punch & Judy and Magic shows, and the children can let off steam on the bouncy castles and take a ride on a bumpy bus!

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The Ryde Regatta returns this weekend with a great lineup of music and entertainment for all the family.

As usual the Island’s musical talent will be playing live on stage in the Eastern Gardens

The lineup is looking pretty impressive with a finale of fireworks at 9.45pm

On the beach between 3–5pm there’ll be games and activities for the young and between 8–8:30pm there’ll be a fire show. How exciting!

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An afternoon and evening of live music and fun for all the family takes place on Saturday 18th July 09, from 1pm to 11pm at Niton Primary School.

The event has been organised by The Friends of Niton School as a fund raising event. FONS (hence FONStival) raises money which goes towards additional resources and both educational and fun activities for the children of Niton Primary School.

A seed of an idea which has developed into something very exciting, we have had some very generous input from some of the Island’s very best up and coming talent, which resulted in a fantastic family event last year and promises this year to be even better.

With expectations high this year and an amazing line up we are sure to reach our licensed limit of revelers.

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We’d thoroughly recommend this excellent event taking place next week at Brading Roman Villa. Ed

All for One; One for All! Young D’Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as a Musketeer of the King’s Guard.

But are his swashbuckling credentials sufficient? Find out as the fearless four survive the schemes of Cardinal Richelieu, plan the impossible rescue of the beautiful Mme Bonancieux, and cross swords with the deadly Milady de Winter.

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It’s that time of year again, yes folk, the great St Catherine’s Summer Fair is almost upon us.

St Catherine’s is a national charity for children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments. The Summer Fair – hosted by the children, young people and staff team – is one of its’ largest fundraising events of the year.

This year the Fair is expected to be the best yet.

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Blimey, there are only 500 camping tickets left for Camp Bestival taking place at Lulworth Castle this July.

Bestival’s family friendly little sister has an amazing music lineup as well as literature, comedy and zillions of things for the kids to do.

Check out list below of who’s playing and exactly what’s on offer or read our review of last year’s event.

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No, it’s not Cowes Week that Aaron will be escaping from, but yet another death-defying stunt.

As readers will know, Ventnor lad, Aaron Isted likes a challenge or two and we hear that in August, he’ll be attempting to escape from a straitjacket attached by a burning rope to 40ft crane, making his challenge the highlight of this year’s Cowes Week entertainment.

21 year old Aaron, who comes from Ventnor has been interested and performing magic since he was just a wee lad. Being a member of the Magic Circle has only proved to feed his ambition further.

He has attempted several world records and which as gained his coverage in national magazines (as well as on VentnorBlog!)

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It’s great to hear that plans for the IOW Community Renaissance Festival have been going well.

Smallbrook Stadium will be the venue for over 150 performers who will come together (all as volunteers) for the debut Isle of Wight Community Renaissance Festival on Sunday 24th May.

Community Development Worker, Cora Wade tells us that the idea initially came about from a discussion with another Community Development Worker from The Park Centre, Marcelle Edwards about looking to ways for the community to work together.

They had a massive response to the idea of the festival from which all profits will go to four selected charities: IOW Hospice, IOW Branch of the National Autistic Society, IOW Lions and Ryde East Community Association.

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The summer season hasn’t even started yet, but if you planning a brand new festival, you need plenty of time to organise it.

For those who haven’t heard yet, the Ventnor Business Association has got together with the V-Bay Steering Group to pull together an end of season festival down on Ventnor seafront this October, the V-Bay Festival.

It’s hoped that the whole area will be pedestrianised for the weekend of the V-Bay Festival, making it safe and welcoming for all the family.

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Many thanks to Bob Pritchard, show organiser for sending in details about this year’s Chale Show. Ed

The Chale Show is the Island’s biggest horticultural show with over 1,000 exhibit entries.

There are are Arena Events both afternoons with marching bands, childrens’ races, Traction engines, vintage tractors, children’s entertainer and our main events this year is James Dylan Car Stunt Team.

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Lots going on tonight and this weekend on the Wight.

Friday Roundup
The Bonchurch Village Singers will be warming up their vocals chords this afternoon for their performance tonight at St John’s Church in Wroxall. Free entrance, with refreshments, but there will be a retiring collection at the end.

Over in Newport, Tommaso Starace will have the audience jazzing out with his spectacular sax appeal. Still some tickets left if you fancy it.

If you fancy something a little more alternative, then head up to Oakfield Football Club for The Electro Magnetic Workshop. Live performance by the band, DJ spinning the vinyl and Lady Phaedie hosting a game show with a difference.
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Island Professionals – The “Enjoy Being Single” No. 1 social group for single people on the Isle of Wight is celebrating their 20th year on July 19th at Gurnard Pines.

Members, former members and their family members (over 18) are invited to attend what promises to be a great reunion of old friends and the opportunity to make many new ones.

Non member singles will also be warmly welcomed to what promises to be a fun and enjoyable event. Expect live band entertainment, a Magic Circle artiste and buffet. (more…)

Saturday night seems so long ago now, especially because of the fact that I’m still recovering from it.

It was on that night that I and my dear husband took ourselves up to Ryde to see The Bees play on home ground. Having seen them play at various other venues on the mainland (cargo, brixton and at the hmv store for a chicken payback promo) I was interested to see how differently the audience would react.

They were a very friendly crowd who all revelled in the joy of listening to live music and although much of the audience were islanders, there were a fair few who’d come over from the mainland to get their live Bees fix.

I quite liked The Venue, a reasonable enough size to hold a decent amount of people, but still felt quite cosy. The gig was sold out so the place was full to capacity, but I was still able to get down near the front of the stage without much trouble and even managed to jump around to the old favs without treading on people’s toes or knocking drinks out of hands (although I did bump into their number one fan … the guy with the big pointy hat whose name I’ve forgotten who’d travelled all the way down from Essex just for the gig).

They started with one of my favourite tracks, Russian (which I’ve not been able get out of my head since – it’s so good to hear it live) and followed up with some of the new material, one of which I was not quite sure about, but I did love the long instrumental one. I must admit, it’s all a bit hazy now, so I guess I’ll have to wait until the new album comes out in order to listen again and make my mind up with a clear head.

Something I love about watching The Bees play live is how the band always swap instruments throughout their gigs. They all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves and wearing a smile like a cheshire cat, Paul was definitely killing it on the drums.

The after party was much fun … but I’m keeping that to myself ;-)

Ventnor band, The Bees will be playing The Venue @ Ryde Theatre on Saturday 29th October. Tickets are selling fast, but if you’re quick, you might be able to get some before the event sells out.

Supporting The Bees will be the equally excellent The Motion Pictures.

A cracking night is guaranteed.

Tickets available from The Venue. £8 (in advance).

Wednesday 9th November …. doors open 6.30pm finishing at 10pm

The Wight Light Gallery presents, for one night only ….

The Amazing La Banda Martinez

A brilliant acoustic band playing their renditions of Latin, Jazz, Classics and pop

Tickets £15 includes Latin American buffet and complementary glass of sangria (with licenced bar)

Wight Light Gallery
1a High Street
Ventnor
tel: 01983 857097
(Through the archway next to Boots the Chemist)