Entertainment Guide: April 2025

The Isle of Wight Spring Art & Garden Fair at Northwood House 

Good Friday 18th & Easter Saturday 19th April

Looking for a fantastic treat for the family this Easter? Then don’t miss the Island’s first big outdoor event which has free entry for children. This enormously popular Fair features a huge range of quality exhibitors from the Island and mainland set in beautiful Northwood House & Park in Cowes. Get plants and equipment for the garden, see some of the best local artists in the Art Showcase and enjoy lots of things to see and do over the two-day event. There will be marquees of quality hand-made crafts, produce and other artisan retailers. 

New for 2025 is the Roots & Shoots Plants Talk Tent which features top speakers and personalities from the gardening world: including BBC Gardeners World presenter Kate Bradbury, the Blue Peter Gardener Chis Collins and QVC TV presenter and podcaster Michael Perry, AKA ‘The Plant Geek’. 

Children can enjoy free art and craft activities, seed planting and storytelling at the Imagination Station marquee. Plus, there will be a free Easter Egg Trail with a chocolate prize for every child that takes part! 

Enjoy live music at the tea tent, Pimm’s and cream teas on the lawn and displays of vintage tractors and cars. Island chainsaw carving supremo Paul Sivell and friends will be carving a magnificent timber sculptures, which will be auctioned at the end of the event (details available now online).

Super value for a family day out: Tickets only £5.50 per adult (or 2 for £10) with under 16s going free. Get 10% OFF online until 10th April. 

www.northwoodhouse.org/events

Spring Buggin’ – The Camp Out with Retro Staycations 

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May 

Enjoy a relaxed weekend of camping with friends, family and fellow vanlife enthusiasts over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. 

There will be a pop-up bar courtesy of Island Ales and a range of hot food on-site for breakfast and dinner, plus drinks. Taking place at the picturesque Retro Staycations glamping site in Ryde, the family fun weekend is not only great value but a lovely way to chill out and enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend. 

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. All welcome (including non-VW camping). Club camping also available. Camp-out ticket holders may arrive from 3pm Friday, 2nd May. Why not make the most of the long weekend by staying until Bank Holiday Monday? 

Advance tickets are available for just £25 for up to 3 nights camping 5 persons per pitch. One ticket per pitch, not per person. 

www.retrostaycations.co.uk/events/ 

Tel: 01983 566837 

Abseil The Spinnaker Tower For Aspire 

Sunday 18th May 

Come and join Aspire for an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth to raise money for Aspire Ryde. Experience an amazing adrenalin rush and take on a 100-metre descent down the side of Portsmouth’s iconic landmark, Spinnaker Tower, overlooking the Solent. 

There are places available for those over 15 years, who are under 18 stone, due to event organisers restrictions. Participants need to raise £200 which includes abseil, insurance, transport to Portsmouth and a donation to Aspire – which is an Island charity who work within the Island Community.

If you are interested in taking up the challenge email: Karen@aspireryde.org.uk or phone 01983 716020 and ask for Karen