Local Community News

Local cyclist, endurance coach and nutritionist, Joe Staunton, recently competed in the Haute Route Alps, a 7-day mountain stage race through the French Alps, which is considered to be the worlds hardest amateur cycling stage race.

Shaping Newport partners are celebrating the resounding success of Newport Heritage Day held on Saturday (September 7).

An annual ride, set up after a horse was killed as a result of reckless driving, will take place this Sunday (September 15).

Breeze, the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) app serving the Solent area, has announced the addition of Wightlink ferries to its growing list of transport options.

Brave fundraisers have touched the sky, by taking part in the Isle of Wight’s first ever wing walk and by skydiving, to raise vital cash for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

There is less than a month to go until this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival - and tickets are going fast.

Fears will be conquered and personal challenges achieved when over 50 swimmers take part in the fourteenth West Wight Sports and Community Centre Solent Swim on Saturday (September 14.)

The Isle of Wight has paid tribute to emergency services on the Island and across the UK at a flag raising ceremony to mark national Emergency Services Day today (9 September), also known as 999 Day.

A fundraising concert in Cowes by Abbey Brass will include the world premiere of a new composition about life on the Isle of Wight.

This September, local community group, Planet Aware, are calling for Islanders to get involved in a global plastic pollution survey: “THE GREAT NURDLE HUNT”, ahead of the United Nations (UN) Global Plastic Treaty negotiations.

As the new school year begins, the residents of Orchard House Care Centre in Newport have been spreading joy and wisdom to the children of our local community.

Snap Fitness Isle of Wight has been shortlisted in the National Fitness Awards. and are in the running for a prestigious national award.

Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot, and Sandown Town Councillors, organised an end of season thank you and presentation of certificates to Lifeguard & Beach Manager Todd Miller and the team of Lifeguards that provided a beach safety service for residents and visitors to Sandown during the summer.

To celebrate the Island’s reputation as the home of top-quality produce, Wightlink is showcasing several of its Isle of Wight suppliers at a special event this weekend (September 7-8) on Ryde Pier.

Carisbrooke Priory and Aspire in Ryde will be set Ablaze over the weekend of 14 and 15 September as the Christian Arts festival returns to the Island.

Medina Theatre came alive to the sound of music, dance, and applause at the weekend.

Local people and visitors to the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to find out how easy and convenient it is to travel by bus.

A garden for young people to enjoy while in hospital has been transformed thanks to the generous support of the local community.

The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight has praised a local homecare provider for organising a “brilliant” event aimed at supporting older people on the Island to live well at home for longer.

Four intrepid souls are taking on the final day of a 114km trek today (Sunday) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

A crime novel set on the Isle of Wight will have its hardback release next month.

Cowes Enterprise College Students celebrated long into the night after receiving excellent GCSE results yesterday (Thursday).

Young people on the Isle of Wight have set out ambitious plans to tackle important issues raised at this year’s Isle of Wight Youth Voice Conference.

Freshwater Parish Council were so pleased to be able to once again support the FYTbus with a Community Grant of £5,000.

Ryde School is celebrating another year of successful GCSE results.

Carisbrooke College students and staff were celebrating today (Thursday) as talented teenagers at the faculty collect their GCSE results.

Students from Ryde Academy are celebrating their GCSE results today.

An Isle of Wight band known for their high octane live performances have released their debut single.

Live music will come to the Quay Arts next month to raise money for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's rescue bears - Balu and Benji.

Ventnor recently made waves with its first-ever Pirate Festival.

Artists across the Isle of Wight are being invited to take part in this year's annual Open Studios event.

Isle of Wight based WRS Systems has been named a finalist in the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards.

A kind-hearted seven year-old girl is raising money for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's rescue bears by keeping Isle of Wight streets and parks clean.

Isle of Wight charity, the Footprint Trust, has received a grant of £25,000 to help islanders on low incomes.

Ballyrags Comedy Club returns to Fubar in Ryde this week for another night of top-notch comedy, with Bobby Mair (as seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind The Buzzcocks & Russell Howard's Good News) headlining.

Thousands flocked to Sandown for the annual Regatta on Sunday (August 11), with organisers hailing the event one of the town’s 'biggest for years'.

A 10-year-old pupil of Arreton C of E School has been named the winner of a design competition run by local company IDML which received more than 300 entries.

Newport's Orchard House celebrated a special ‘Cuddle Day’ on Friday (August 9), with the event bringing smiles and warmth to our residents.

RSPCA Isle of Wight has announced the opening of its new charity shop located at 168 High Street, Ryde.

Wednesday evening (August 9) saw the West Wight Road Runners host a Let's All Run Together (LART) event.

The Isle of Wight's own Phoenix Pro Wrestling will make its first appearance at GG’s Bar and Restaurant in Newport tomorrow (Saturday) in what promises to be a match made in heaven.

Isle of Wight based Eldridges Solicitors is celebrating the appointment of highly decorated Joshua Gallop to its conveyancing team.

West Wight Sports and Community Centre unveiled its new Changing Places Toilet this week.

Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) have purchased twelve goals to be enjoyed free of charge throughout the summer holidays. 

Six years ago (Friday 10 August 2018) Wightlink’s £30million flagship Victoria of Wight arrived at her home port of Portsmouth after a voyage of more than 3,000 miles from the Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.

Some unusually dressed holidaymakers were spotted disembarking the ferry at East Cowes on Monday (August 4).

Age UK Isle of Wight has announced their upcoming move to St Thomas House in St Thomas' Square, as part of a shift towards a more community-focused approach.

Isle Access has announced the appointment of Steve Wells as its dedicated Cycling Coordinator.

Ryde Carnival are delighted to announce that a wheelchair accessible viewing platform will be available at Eastern Gardens again this year for the Main Carnival and the Illuminated Carnival.

We’re being urged to get behind the Isle of Wight in a bid to win the title of ‘most desirable island’ in a prestigious travel magazine.

Islanders are being encouraged to join the conversation on school place planning on the Isle of Wight.

The first set of walks have been released for the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival.

Ventnor will host its first-ever Pirate Festival from August 14-17, coinciding with Ventnor Town Carnival.

The 16th Cowes Classics Week took place to great fanfare in Cowes between 7 and 12 July. 

Families are being invited to join the Isle of Wight Council's ranger at Fort Victoria for a host of fun rock pooling and fossil hunting activities this summer.

Orchard House Care Home hosted a delightful cheese and wine afternoon, which was met with enthusiasm and joy by the residents.

This summer will see the grounds of Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House come alive with characters from history.

Community Defibrillator Champion, Steve Read, saw his latest project unveiled by IW High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM and Lake Parish Council Chair, Paul Brading, outside of the Shanklin County Ground Clubhouse, as part of their summer programme of renovation.

Isle of Wight Pride celebrated a return to the beach in style with a weekend of entertainment, community involvement and a parade.

A Newport Nail salon has launched its revolutionary new app today (Wednesday)..

Isle of Wight visitors and residents alike may have been startled by the sight of two bears on Penny Farthings at the weekend.

With a strong sense of nostalgia visitors to Sandown Airport enjoyed the 1940s vibes of the "Flying Forties" weekend.

Saturday August 3 will see members from Ryde's CrossFit Incursion perform 60,000 Burpees for charity on Appley Beach from 9.30am.

Cowes Week Limited (CWL), the organisation behind the world's premier sailing regatta Cowes Week, today announced that world-renowned yacht chartering company, Sunsail becomes their Official Charter Sailing Partner for the 2024 Regatta.

The leading establishment for music education on the Island recently took Wight Noize winner Marnie Marie to perform at 23 schools.

The results of the annual Wight in Bloom competition, organised by Visit Isle of Wight were revealed yesterday (Thursday) at a ceremony at Albert Cottage in East Cowes.

A yachtsman who received a head injury aboard a classic yacht became the object of a rescue operation by Cowes RNLI lifeboat yesterday (Thursday).

The MAD-Aid DOT in East Cowes is the place to head for some inexpensive summer fun for all the family.

The Friends of Northwood Cemetery are celebrating after being awarded a coveted Green Flag Award.

This Saturday (July 20) Isle of Wight Pride celebrates a return to the beach with a weekend of entertainment, community and a parade through Ryde.

Island residents are being encouraged to take small steps to make a big difference this Plastic Free July.

Sandown High Street has welcomed the arrival of a new, innovative and sweet enterprise.

At the Annual General Meeting of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) held in Orkney on 13 July the Faroe Islands were confirmed to be the Host Island of the 2027 Island Games.

A new film about childhood, made by students from the Island Learning Centre and artists Teresa Grimaldi, aims to start conversations between different generations and make a difference to local communities.

A free to attend Showcase Exhibition of a selection of more than 120 Isle of Wight Open Studios 2024 artists who are participating in this year’s event, opened with a spectacular launch on Friday (July 12) in the Café and Clayden Gallery at Quay Arts.

The 1,700-year old image of a cockerel-headed man discovered at Brading Roman Villa will be the theme of a spectacular hat created for next month’s Sandown Bay Regatta.

Ryde Academy held its annual Awards Ceremony yesterday (Thursday). 

Cowes based Van Mossel Esplanade has welcomed a new and pristine example of a classic Volvo to its fleet of vehicles on the Island.

Isle of Wight Marlins Swim Club is organising and running the iconic Pier2Pier swim race on Saturday July 20.

A lighthouse inspired art trail is set to light up Cowes for the summer months.

Newport based charity Natural Enterprise is asking keen gardeners and potential volunteers to visit them in the Garden and Outdoor Living Area at this weekend’s Royal Isle of Wight County Show to help combat 'alien' plants.

An original performance is to be staged at Newport's Mountbatten by young people from leading performing and creative arts centre, The BRIT School.

Residents at Old Charlton House recently took a day out sailing off the coast of Cowes and East Cowes.

Brading Roman Villa has unveiled its new Nature Trail as part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival.

Ventnor Rugby Club once more acted as a marshalling post and feeding station for the round-the-Island cycling Randonnee in early May.

Cowes-based architect Leah Mew is celebrating a double success at the prestigious Isle of Wight Society Conservation Awards and RIBA Design Awards.

Madonna, The Spice Girls, Abba and Elvis were just some of the stars at the St Catherine’s Popstars themed Summer Fair.

Ben Morley once again showed his liking for the open spaces of the 385-metre Smallbrook Speedway circuit as he took top spot in the 'Mark Cooper Truly Independent' US Style Handicap meeting.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has called on the newly elected government, and the region’s MPs, to step up and take the decisive action needed to protect and restore nature.

Wightlink has announced the successful Isle of Wight community organisations that will receive grants to help the Island to make progress towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sight for Wight’s Short Story Writing Competition is back after the success of last year’s which produced some very high-quality entries.

Following a successful 2024 Isle of Wight Festival appearance, Island punk group, The Pill, have announced a concert in Norway, taking place next month.

Preparations are nearly complete for Ascend – thought to be the first-ever youth led arts festival on the Isle of Wight – which will take place at the Broadway Centre, Sandown

Ryde School’s sailing team has finished the season on a high to qualify for a global event.

With the date set for artists to open the doors to their studios this August, Isle of Wight Open Studios are hosting a Showcase Exhibition of artists work.

Three employees from Sandown's Wildheart Animal Sanctuary have successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge in just under 24 hours.

US Style Handicap racing returns to Smallbrook Stadium this Thursday (July 4).

The second stage of the year-long exciting new national BoatLife Fishing Championship will be held at Cowes over the weekend of July 13 and 14.

A Hampshire man whose life was “sent down a different path” after losing five friends to brain cancer has vowed to never stop fighting the deadly disease.

The biggest day on the Isle of Wight business-to-business networking calendar will take place next week.

The Phoenix Choir will be performing in the recently renovated Newport Minster on Saturday 13 July in aid of the Minster’s new community project for those living with dementia and their carers.

Today marks a notable Sunday for Isle of Wight band Marnie Marie.

A free 10-week training course is set to arrive at the Isle of Wight College, offering Island care workers a dynamic opportunity to tackle the region’s skill shortages head-on while boosting their skillset.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW is thrilled to announce that Carol Court, the dedicated CEO of the Charity, is a finalist for a prestigious BBC Make a Difference Award.

An annual motorbike charity ride held on the Isle of Wight will raise money for two local Air Ambulance charities (Hampshire & Isle of Wight, and Dorset & Somerset).

An Isle of Wight estate agency is celebrating its landmark anniversary by giving back to the local community.

More than 20 school and community groups will take part in this year's Mardi Gras next month.

The Wightlink Warriors have announced the signing of Chad Wirtzfeld to the 2024 team.

Despite inclement weather a large crowd enjoyed the "Men in Sheds Festival" last weekend at Sandown Airport.

Talented music students from Platform One College on the Isle of Wight will appear at the Isle of Wight Festival this weekend.

Cowes Primary School has held its annual International Day as it continues to share the diversity of cultures, food, music and costumes of the local school community.

An Isle of Wight wrestling company is taking to the dancefloor for its latest big event.

Cherry Godfrey, WRS Systems, Café Isola, and Bembridge C of E Primary School were among those baking up a treat this May in aid of Wessex Cancer Support.

Children from Brighstone Primary School helped to keep the rural tradition of country dancing alive by performing three dances at this year’s Shorwell Midsummer Fair.

The winners of a road safety poster competition, launched by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with Southern Vectis and the Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership, have been announced.

The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust has named its four year-old winner of a competition to name the new mascot for the charity.

Twenty-five Isle of Wight Festivals were celebrated at the launch party of Experience 25.

The third annual Isle of Wight Sheepdog Trial was held on a sunny June weekend with around 3,500 spectators watching 50 dogs from across the UK compete.

Perfect weather conditions encouraged runners of all abilities to join in with the IW Festival of Running on Sunday June 9.

Hovertravel is using World Refill Day today (Sunday 16 June) to promote the transition away from single-use plastic and towards refill and reuse.

FOCAS Fest – Focus on Conservation and Science Festival – is returning to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for a second year after its successful debut in 2023.

The Bargeman’s Rest was packed with well-wishers last Saturday, 8th June, as it celebrated its 25th birthday with a day filled with fantastic food, drinks and live music.

In a move to align with its new owners, the Cowes based car dealership formerly known simply as 'Esplanade' will now be known as Van Mossel Esplanade.

Award-winning East Cowes based brow and beauty specialist Kellie Conway’s passion and enthusiasm knows no bounds.

Fire Cadets from across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire cadet (HIWFRS) units joined together for the first time ever for a day of firefighting related fun and obstacle courses on Saturday 8 June.

Platform One Music College has set a goal of performing in 20 schools in 10 days with live performances from 2024 Wight Noize winners Marnie Marie.

A local council group has continued its commitment to aiding a local charity, handing over its latest donation earlier this month.

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students at the Island VI Form are set to exhibit their final projects.

An Isle of Wight professional wrestling company is set to host the Island's first ever show to take place from within the confines of a steel cage.

An influx of Kangaroos, Koalas... and Kiwis will be heading to the Isle of Wight this summer.

A screen time reduction trial launched by UKSA earlier this year has been hailed a success.

Wightlink is supporting kind-hearted members of staff who want to raise money for six selected charities by matching their efforts with a company donation.

A Newport childcare centre is celebrating after receiving its first Ofsted report under new ownership.

A multi-award winning Shanklin dance school is putting on its final performance of a show dedicated to the stage this evening (Saturday).

A club that helps overweight and obese men on the Isle of Wight lose weight through weekly football and healthy lifestyle sessions is celebrating two big wins at a national awards.

Leanne Howard from Southern Vectis is celebrating this week, after being named among the top drivers along the south coast.

Orchard House Care Home recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a special celebration.

A traditional Lithuanian woodfired sauna has opened to the public this week at Compton Bay, as part of islanders Rob and Josie De Banks’ wellness brand offering 'Slow Motion'.

The inaugural Reggae Festival held at the Three Rivers Wellbeing Centre in Porchfield last Saturday (1) was a roaring success, with organisers already planning for next year’s event.

A top-ten finish for Best Bridal Salon left a Newport salon 'overjoyed' at the National Hair and Beauty Awards at the weekend.

A six-month creative writing project on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and allies is continuing across the Isle of Wight this summer.

Newport's Ale House played host to the presentation of the Pub and Beer of the Year by CAMRA Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight estate agent Hose Rhodes Dickson has launched a competition encouraging local residents and holiday-makers to submit photographs depicting their love for their Island, along with an answer to the question, ‘Why do you love the Isle of Wight?’

A Newport nail salon is celebrating after being recognised as one of the UK's best at an annual national beauty awards ceremony.

The Isle of Wight College has announced its upcoming Open Day on Wednesday June 26, from 4pm to 7pm.

Young Islanders are being invited to take part in an artistic endeavour to raise money for charity, with a chance to see their winning print on t-shirts and an annual pass to one of the Island's leading attractions.

Freshwater's West Wight Heritage Centre will reportedly close its doors this month.

The aptly named Horse Box Theatre is bringing Broadway in the Barn to Tapnell Farm later this month.

A former student at Ryde Academy will represent the Isle of Wight in Miss Teen Great Britain when the Grand Final takes place at Blackpool's Globe Theatre in October.

Newport's Orchard House care home will treat essential services workers to breakfast with free takeaways as part of a new initiative.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People Isle of Wight will hold its Gala Weekend and Fun Dog Show next month.

Sandown's Christ Church commemorated D Day 80 with a special Pentecost service, with readings from the Island's Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon JP and High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM DL.

Two flight simulators at Wight Aviation Museum (WAM) have been enhanced with the assistance of Island based videogame development studio, Stainless Games.

Red Funnel has announced it will be adding two late night sailings to its Red Jet timetable next weekend.

There are exciting free activities for families planned at local libraries during the May half term.

Walk the Wight 2024 has now raised a record £500,000 for Mountbatten.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Community Learning team hosted the Multiply Awards ceremony last night (Tuesday), shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of adult learners in numeracy.

The second annual Cowes Fringe will take place from this Thursday (May 23).

A new website has been launched in advance of one of the Island's most popular annual artistic initiatives.

After two years of protest, residents in Wootton are renewing their efforts to fight the proposed extraction of gravel at Palmers Farm.

The award-winning Chillerton & Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival returns this Saturday (May 25) through to June 1.

A man living in Thailand has completed his eye-catching labour of love in homage to his homeland, while simultaneously helping to keep local beaches tidy.

Freshwater's West Wight Sports & Community Centre has received a series of grants in a boost to its future.

Staff and residents at Newport's Orchard House care home were treated to an afternoon of nostalgia with Cadbury archivist Sarah Foden and Brand Manager Connor Gould.

Applications are now open to become one of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) face-to-face fundraisers in the south east region.

A new study has revealed the Isle of Wight is the second best UK destination for wild swimming, with three Island seaside locations in the top 10.

The passion and dedication of gardeners on the Isle of Wight is to be celebrated with the return of the popular gardening competition Wight In Bloom.

Forget this year’s Olympic Games, all eyes will be on the Island this summer as Wessex Cancer Support brings its brand-new welly wanging and tomato tossing championships to these shores.

Young Islanders between the ages of 10 and 18 are being asked to get involved with a new festival based in Sandown.

Funding has finally been secured for the Godshill Play Park Project following protracted efforts for investment.

A venue on Ryde’s Union Street, Bar 74, has announced the next stage of its evolution with the official renaming to ‘FuBar’.

Hovertravel has been awarded ‘Leader’ level in the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme in the latest round of accreditation.

A networking fundraiser event will see Island based business people - and Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely - strap on their shinpads to raise money for Mountbatten later this month.

The annual 'Round the Island' Offshore Powerboat will take place this coming weekend.

For holidaymakers, day-trippers, and locals on the Isle of Wight this May half term, English Heritage is offering a fantastic week of historical fun at Osborne and Carisbrooke Castle for all ages to enjoy.

Southern Vectis is marking Dementia Action Week - 13 to 19 May - by highlighting its commitment to making local bus services more accessible for some of its most vulnerable passengers.

Two lip-smacking new events have been added to the 2024 calendar at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Vectis Brass Band is a community organisation based in Ryde and has been entertaining audiences on the Island since 1947.

Can you help to locate a dog that was lost on the outskirts of Newport?

The South Coast and Isle of Wight sailing itinerary for Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has been released.

On Wednesday May 15 Medina Bookshop in Cowes will host a fascinating talk by Liz Barron about the Island's connections with a tragedy in the Irish Sea over 70 years ago.

THE Bishop of Portsmouth has appointed Rev Chris Bradish as the new team rector to lead Church of England sites in Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe.

A 27-year-old security officer from the Isle of Wight who is registered sight impaired, has helped leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) put together a new guide designed to help inform sighted people how best they can offer assistance.

This month's Emerging Artist is a charismatic band gaining serious momentum after recently releasing a track four years in the making.

Isle of Wight Scouts are inviting everyone to join them on Saturday May 11 between 9.30am and 3.30pm for the Corf Scout Campsite Open Day.  

Farmers, landowners, environmental organisations and Parish Councils are invited to apply for grants to support a wide range of countryside projects within the Isle of Wight National Landscape (formally the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Shanklin Bowling Club has proudly supported Isle of Wight Ambulance Service for over eight years by housing a vital defibrillator.

Did you know that this year is the 25th Isle of Wight Festival?

The possibility of a seaside for everyone moved closer thanks to yesterday’s Ryde Beach Accessibility Partnership event.

UKSA has announced it is celebrating 10 years of its Test the Water Programme this summer.

HRH Prince Edward helped worshippers celebrate the reopening of Newport Minster after an ambitious transformation project.

A vision that started during Covid is seeking to spreading connection across the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Train Story attraction has welcomed its 600,000th visitors.

The Brighstone CE Aided Primary School horse riding team are jumping for joy after winning first place overall at the Isle of Wight Inter Schools Showjumping Competition.

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, multi-award-winning Victorious Festival – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has announced its full comedy line-up for this summer’s Bank Holiday extravaganza.

Age UK Isle of Wight has announced the successful distribution of 1,000 hygiene packs as part of the 'Dignity in Every Pack' initiative.

A Newport nail salon has been shortlisted for three national awards — less than one year after opening its doors.

East Cowes pub, The Folly Inn, has announced the appointment of a new General Manager.

Rural Island businesses are being invited to apply to the Isle of Wight Rural SME Fund.

The award-winning Chillerton And Gatcombe Scarecrow festival returns from May 25 to June 1.