Press Releases

One of the Isle of Wight’s best-established destinations for food lovers across the Island is beginning a fresh culinary chapter. The Royal Hotel in Ventnor welcomes new Head Chef Tom Axford to lead its restaurant and wider dining experience. Tom is already a familiar name to many Island diners, with a career spanning some of the Isle of Wight’s best-known kitchens. He was Head Chef and co-owner of Kynge’s Well in Brading, before becoming Head Chef at The George Hotel in Yarmouth, where he worked closely with Michelin-starred chef Robert Thompson and later Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi. He went on...

Ticket to Ryde celebrates its 12th year with two days of live music, local food and the International Scooter Rally. Island residents and visitors alike are invited to Eastern Gardens on Ryde’s seafront this weekend as the much-loved Ticket to Ryde returns for the August Bank Holiday – and this year promises to be one of the best yet. Now in its 12th year, Ticket to Ryde has established itself as a firm favourite in the Isle of Wight’s events calendar. Organised by Jack Up Events in partnership with Ryde Town Council, the event is entirely free to attend and...

For the first time, 10 of the best-known Isle of Wight food and drink producers have joined forces to launch a new initiative, the Island Foodie Collective, aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore the Island’s thriving culinary scene. The newly formed Island Foodie Collective brings together independent businesses that not only produce their own food and drink but also welcome visitors to experience their products firsthand. Members include: Adgestone Vineyard, Briddlesford Farm, Caffè Isola, Goddards Brewery, Harvey Browns, Isle of Wight Distillery, Nunwell Farm Kitchen and Braai, Quarr Abbey, The Garlic Farm and Wight Knuckle at The Point...

Ashley Randle, head chef at The Cockle at Island Harbour, has reached the semi-finals of the 2026 National Chef of the Year competition – one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the UK. Run by the Craft Guild of Chefs, the 2026 National Chef of the Year competition attracts entries from chefs across the country, with Ashley named as one of just 40 semi-finalists following a blind judging process. Ashley will compete at the London semi-final on 1st July, where chefs must produce a two-course menu for four covers in two hours. This year’s theme is ‘Our Sustainable Future’,...

Free-to-Attend Community Festival ‘Ticket to Ryde’ Returns for its 12th Year this May Bank Holiday Weekend 2026. Two days of free live music, family fun, food and local stalls on Ryde Seafront – 23rd and 24th May 2026. One of the Island’s most cherished community events, Ticket to Ryde, is back for its 12th year, and entry is completely free. Organised by Jack Up Events in conjunction with Ryde Town Council, Ticket to Ryde takes place at Eastern Gardens opposite Ryde Harbour across the Late May Bank Holiday Weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026, running from 10:00...

The Isle of Wight Open Studios (IWOS) Showcase Exhibition 2026 is now open at Quay Arts, offering visitors a preview of work from over 90 artists ahead of this year’s Open Studios event. Running from 18th April to 30th May 2026, the exhibition brings together a diverse range of disciplines, providing a snapshot of the creativity that will be on display across the Isle of Wight when more than 200 artists open their studios from 15th to 25th May 2026. The Showcase Exhibition acts as a central starting point for visitors, allowing them to discover artists, explore different styles and...

For the first time in nearly 30 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia returns to Cowes on the Isle of Wight through ‘Sailing Through Royal History’, an exhibition from The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust celebrating its enduring connection with Cowes, its community and the close Royal links to legendary local yacht designer Uffa Fox. This brand-new touring exhibition will be hosted in the historic Commodores House, once the workshop of renowned yacht designer and builder Uffa Fox. Commodores House also hosted members of the Royal Family, including Prince Philip, who was a former crewmate and personal friend of Uffa. The exhibition...

This spring, artists across the Island open their doors for Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026, inviting visitors to step inside the spaces where creativity happens. Running from 15th – 25th May 2026, the IW Open Studios event features over 200 artists working across painting, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more. From coastal studios to tucked-away workshops, visitors can meet artists, explore their processes and purchase work directly from the maker. The event is preceded by the IW Open Studios Showcase Exhibition at Quay Arts, Newport, running from 18th April to 30th May 2026. The exhibition brings together a curated selection...

Isle of Wight Pearl is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Wyatt as its new Head Chef at the iconic, and recently revamped, Pearl Café. Mark’s arrival marks a clear new direction for the café, championing fine-dining quality food designed to be enjoyed every day, overlooking what are widely regarded as some of the Island’s best sea views. Alongside a completely refreshed menu, the Pearl Café now offers a range of weekday food promotions, making quality, chef-led dishes accessible to everyone. Island food lovers can enjoy two of Mark’s new main meals for just £20 on Mondays, a half-price...

Tickets on sale now! Tapnell Farm Park is bringing festive cheer to families this December with ‘Christmas at Tapnell… A Magical Winter Woodland Village’ offering a barn full of hands-on activities, festive fun, and a special visit to meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Running on selected dates between 6 – 23 December, the Events Barn will be transformed into a quintessential winter woodland village, complete with twinkling lights, snow-dusted trees, cheeky characters, and a sleigh fit for Santa. Families can enjoy a 35-minute festive trail packed with activities, crafts and photo opportunities, before the highlight of the experience – a...

Slomo and Tapnell Farm team up for the biggest Winter Warmer wellbeing pop-up on the Isle of Wight so far. Serial entrepreneurs and wellness advocates Josie and Rob da Bank are back at Tapnell Farm for the third year running with their most far-reaching festival of wellbeing yet. Boasting their Temple Sauna with a capacity of 10, the UK’s original Floating Sauna on the lake, with space for 4, plus a pair of their eye-catching Dutch hot tubs. With Tapnell Farm’s new padel court, a cosy hut massage space, and a busy schedule of yoga, breathwork and meditation, this is...

Tapnell Farm Park is dialling up the fun this summer with an action-packed programme of daily animal encounters, all-weather adventures, and two showstopping weekly events – all included with Farm Park admission. What you can enjoy at Tapnell Farm Park this summer: Find endless ways to keep your little adventurers entertained at Tapnell Farm Park with the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor fun for families, whatever the weather. When the skies turn grey, children can enjoy hours of excitement in the undercover Adventure Barn, featuring trampolines, pedal go-karts, and impressive Tower Slide. For younger visitors, the three-story Indoor Soft...