British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta Mediterranean conditions

Competitors at the British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta 2010 were treated to sailing conditions more akin to the Mediterranean than the Solent as racing got under way on day one. Some early cloud cover this morning quickly burnt away to reveal clear blue skies and by the time the fifty-two boat fleet reached the start line an idyllic ten to twelve knots breeze had developed across the entire racecourse.

In contrast to the genteel atmosphere and relaxed banter between the owners on the dock, out on the water the classic fleet crews race their yachts as hard as any modern fleet. According to British Classic Yacht Club Commodore David Murrin, who is racing this week aboard his own boat Cetawayo, keen on the water competition is a mainstay of the BCYC. ‘We encourage our members to make the most of their beautiful boats, which they have often so painstakingly restored, by getting them out racing as often as possible.’ Commenting on the evolution of the regatta since its inception nine years ago Murrin had this to say. ‘It is very satisfying for the BCYC to have seen this regatta grow from modest beginnings into the wonderful spectacle we have this year. The introduction of Panerai as our title sponsor this year and the event’s inclusion in the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge have really boosted the profile of both the regatta and the club.’

The competitive spirit engendered by the BCYC was certainly in plentiful supply out on the water today. Starts and mark roundings were fiercely fought in every fleet and boat-handling mistakes were cruelly punished throughout the day. The 1937 12 Metre Wings was the first to show from the combined Class 1 and 2 start, powering off the line before tacking on to port to lead the fleet away up the first beat. Jim Thom, skipper of Mariquita, the biggest and perhaps most well known boat in the regatta, the 1911 built 19 Metre Gaff-Cutter, took a more circuitous route up the first beat than most in an effort to find a clear lane to navigate in. Thom commented afterwards ‘We have returned to this regatta because we enjoyed ourselves so much in 2008. We are here to enjoy the racing of course, but when racing in a fleet with so many boats smaller than ourselves, our priority is always the safety of our boat and the others on the water.’

After a close to perfect day of Solent racing the classic crews made their way back to Cowes Yacht Haven late this afternoon to enjoy a drink in the sumptuous Panerai Lounge whilst they relaxed and mulled over their day afloat. When the scorers had completed their calculations, in Class 1 a confident performance by Stephen O’Flaherty’s Soufriere earned them a comfortable win. Class 2 saw John Lister’s Wings convert their early lead on the water into an overall handicap victory. Class 3 was won by Sir Michael Briggs’s Mikado and victory in Class 4 went to Jonathan & Scilla Dyke’s Cereste. Full results are posted on the BCYC website: www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta Racing at the British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta 2010 continues tomorrow with a long distance race, potentially featuring a course which will take the fleet around the Isle of Wight.

By Justin Chisholm 19 Jul 2010

British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta – Day 1 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

1 Week To Go Until Portsmouth Navy Days!

With just a week to go, excitement is building and everyone is getting shipshape for Portsmouth Navy Days, a three-day event at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard, which runs from Friday 30^th July – Sunday 1^st August.

The Royal Navy’s two newest warships are set to be a dazzling double act as the newest naval technology features alongside the historic prowess of the naval fleet of the past, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

The new formidable Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring (Saturday and Sunday only) and HMS Dauntless are among the most powerful warships in the world and for the first time together they will open their hatches to the public.

Alongside HMS Dauntless will be a full-size replica of a supersonic car hoping to break the world land speed record, Bloodhound, and the anti-submarine Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron.

Joining the destroyers on the list of ships opening their hatches to visitors are Type 23 frigates HMS Richmond and Westminster, Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland, who last year undertook a successful anti-piracy patrol in the Indian Ocean, minehunter HMS Cattistock, fisheries protection vessel HMS Tyne, and the newly refitted RFA Argus.

Also just confirmed for the three days are fast-roping displays over the harbour by the Royal Marines, demonstrating the daring techniques involved in boarding suspect vessels.

The skies will also resonate to the sounds of the RN Historic Flight and a flypast by Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance. The Black Knights Parachute Display Team and a demonstration by a coastguard helicopter and Portsmouth lifeboat will add to the action over the harbour.

Deputy Naval Base Commander, Captain Paul Lemkes, said: “Navy Days is a fantastic opportunity for the Royal Navy to be able to show the public, close up, the capabilities it contributes to UK Defence. The line-up of ships will give visitors a true feel of the wide variety of tasks carried out and I am particularly delighted that we have two Type 45 destroyers on show in their home port so that visitors will be able to see how the Royal Navy is maintaining its place at the forefront of maritime operations with this cutting edge class of warship.

“I am sure that RFA Argus will be a big hit with visitors too. She is a one-off ship with a very special capability and does not often get the chance to have the public on board.”

Navy Days 2010 promises to be one of the most popular events on the South Coast this summer, featuring serving warships of the Royal Navy, thrilling naval displays, historical re-enactments and the world-class attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

Robert Bruce, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is co-hosting the event with the Naval Base, added: “Navy Days 2010 will be a brilliant event for all ages, showcasing the Navy’s present and future capabilities including its people and, especially at Portsmouth, its heritage too. There’s nowhere else in the country that you can see this great mix and we’re expecting it to be the highlight of this summer on the south coast.”

Visitors are encouraged to use the Portsmouth Park & Ride Service at Lakeside North Harbour in Portsmouth (signposted from the M27). It will be operating for all three days and the first bus will depart Lakeside North Harbour at 9am and the last bus will depart from The Hard at 7pm. The cost is £2.50 per car and up to 7 passengers.

The 40 page glossy souvenir guide produced by The News, Portsmouth’s daily paper, contains the full programme of events and a map of the site as well as lots of fascinating articles about the modern Royal Navy, its ships and people. On sale for £2 at most retail outlets throughout the local area, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre, The News offices at Hilsea and The News shops at Portsmouth City Centre, Havant, Gosport and Fareham. And for those outside the area the programme is also available to www.portsmouth.co.uk/newspapersales (Additional postage fee for online purchase will apply).

Programmes will also be available to buy at Navy Days.

Further information, including ticket details, is available from the Navy Days website – www.navydaysuk.co.uk or by calling 023 9283 9766

1 Week To Go Until Portsmouth Navy Days! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

As part of a major project to restore parts of Ryde Cemetery, free masonry training sessions are being offered to Islanders.

Two workshops will be held on three separate days in July at the cemetery on West Street in Ryde.

The first, ‘An Introduction to Monumental Masonry’ will be held on  24 and 30 July. The second, ‘Traditional Masonry and Craft Skills’, will take place on  23 and 31 July. All workshops take place between 0930 – 1630.

The free events are being delivered by Wight Stonemasonry and are aimed at providing an introduction to working with natural stone within a conservation environment.

The workshops form part of the Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project which is a major scheme to regenerate parts of the cemetery. This includes repairing and refurbishing buildings, perimeter fencing and existing walls.

The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with support from the Isle of Wight Council and local conservation groups.

Places on the workshops are limited and they are expected to fill up fast. Anyone wishing to apply for a place should request a booking form from Janis Mundell who can be called on (01983) 885172 or via email at janis.mundell@iow.gov.uk

FREE STONE MASONRY WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Libraries across the Isle of Wight will be part of an intergalactic adventure that will encourage children to take up the challenge of reading throughout the school summer holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a free national reading initiative held every year. It is created by The Reading Agency, an independent charity which aims to inspire more people to read.

Children are encouraged to read six books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and a medal on offer to those who complete the challenge.

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge is called ‘Space Hop’ and will take young readers onto new worlds where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with reading and books.

An interactive website, www.spacehop.org.uk has also been launched, linking children with top authors and illustrators. The site also promotes their local library as a place of wonder for children where staff can help them on their ‘mission’.

One child from Cowes who took part in last year’s event, titled ‘Quest Seekers’, wrote “It was a great way to make you read over the summer holidays, and when you finished, at the end you got great prizes. If the Summer Reading Challenge wasn’t going I wouldn’t have done much reading at all over the holidays and would have forgotten some skills for school”.

Children can sign up at any library from Saturday 17 July.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for leisure George Brown said “The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children entertained over the holidays, and I have no doubt it will prove even more popular than last year’s event.

“The children will certainly have all the resources they need, because the Isle of Wight’s libraries are fully stocked with many of the latest titles which they’ll no doubt find fascinating”

Anyone wanting to find out more information about the Summer Reading Challenge can contact their local library for more details.

Libraries across the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Rainbow Directory Family Publication have changed their name to The Family Directory this is a rather special Summer 2010 issue. As they have been running for 5 years this summer.They have grown so much over the years and it is thanks to Island Families and Local Businesses. They would love to hear your views, ideas and your news. With your involvement and their vision to develop The Family Directory, they hope to give you even more essential local information from, leisure, schools, parties, places to visit, health and events.

This Summer issue the magazine  has two new features ‘Family cooking at its simplest with Anna’. At the end of the day as parents  want a quick, easy, healthy family meal  to cook . The other new feature  is about  going back to work full time or part–time?  You will find  some ideas of working around your family.

The bumper Summer issue of The Family Directory is packed with even more things to do over the summer holidays. With more amazing competitions. To the Owl and Monkey haven or tickets to see a circus.  Also you can sign up for the FREE Family Directory e-newsletter, to receive the latest news on events, holiday clubs, what’s on and special offers. Simply click on the newsletter button on their home page and they will do the rest.  Go to www.thefamilydirectory.co.uk

If you have not had your FREE copy email info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk or call 01983 872191

We have a calendar on our website of clubs, classes, events and lots more. All available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have an event please email it to us on info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk and we will add the event for free. Also join us on Face book and Twitter.

The Rainbow Directory Family Publication have changed their name to The Family Directory is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Award-winning pianist Kate Williams returns to Jazz Café at Quay Arts on Fri, 16 Jul foran evening of wonderful variety of harmony and texture in her playing and dynamic originalcompositions.Kate is the daughter of the talented classical guitarist John Williams, famous for his compositionCavatina which is familiar to most people as the theme for the classic ‘80’s film The Deerhunter.Kate was awarded the John Dankworth Award For Talent Deserving Wider Recognition in 2000. A classical pianist and teacher, Kate has worked with various jazz musicians, performing aroundthe UK as well as in Holland, Denmark and Germany. She has played with numerous nameson the UK jazz scene, including Dave Cliff, John Etheridge, Jack Parnell, Matt Wates, TimWhitehead, Tony Woods, Bobby Wellins, Chris Biscoe, Allison Neale, Julian Siegel, and JulietKelly.This time round, Kate is accompanied by award-winning flautist Gareth LockraneKate first visited Quay Arts in the ‘90’s when her father played here, and this performance will bea pure musical delight.A delicious home-cooked menu will served in the Café Bar from 6.30pm.“A superbly lucid and inventive pianist and composer.” Humphrey Lyttleton Date: Fri 16 JulPerformance start 8pmQuay Arts Café, Bar & Menu from 6:30pm onwardsLocation:Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, PO30 5BDTicket Price: £10 / *£9Bookings Box Office 01983 822490

Ward-winning pianist Kate Williams returns to Jazz Café at Quay is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

RhythmTree Festival 16/17/18 July 2010 Calbourne Mill IOW

Blossoming between the Isle of Wight Festival and the Bestival the RhythmTree world music and didgeridoo festival is making its mark on the Island music scene. Now in its second year and again to be found above the beautiful setting of Calbourne Water Mill the event is building on the great reception it received from Island attendees in 2009. Bringing musicians from as far as West Africa and New Zealand, Poland, Croatia, Germany, Czech Republic and France this years event is another celebration of world and didgeridoo music that certainly brings a markedly different musical sound and festival atmosphere to its audience. Friday night is headlined by the evergreen KangarooMoon, the superb French trio Nostoc and the amazing Linos Wengara Magaya with his own brand of Zimbabwean reggae featuring the Mbira. Saturday is the up tempo get up and dance evening with ZubopGambia and their line-up of west african master drummers, the return of Airtist who brought Cowes week to a halt last year with their unstoppable rhythms, Secret Vibes, featuring an on stage fire show and the haunting sound of the Hang Project. Sunday is a real high quality musical evening with the return of Croatian solo didge player Dubravko Lapaine who stunned audiences last year with his virtuosity and stage presence, Czech bands KusKusKlan and El Tenere, slide guitar and blues harp player Phil Henry and the Islands own Cepholadidge. The whole event is headlined by the Afro/Celt fusion band BakaBeyond with their full eight person line-up featuring Fela Kuti’s niece Malora, French fiddle player extraordinary Paddy Le Mercier, Martin Cradick of Outback fame and his wife Sue Heart. Starting at mid-day each day the event is full of off stage entertainment for all the family. Sit and relax in the Didge Cafe with its small open-mic stage, see everything from belly dancers to samba bands perform, join the drum circle at the Chai Chapel or sign up for various world instrument workshops. Youngsters will find lots to do in the Children’s orchard next to the healing area with numerous market stalls close by selling everything from didgeridoos to hand made jewellery. Of course there is a bar and numerous high quality food concessions so no need to  go hungry or thirsty. Tickets are available now from Strings Guitar Center Monkton Street Ryde, Volume One Music Shop The Arcade Shanklin, Music Central Newport, The Ventnorian Ventnor and the Calbourne Mill Ticket Office. Visit the festival website www.rhythmtree.info for online tickets and lots more information.

RhythmTree Festival Calbourne Mill IOW is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hanging Out

Carinthia West

Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts

Sat 17 Jul – Sat 28 Aug

Talk and Film Screening: Sat 17 Jul 5 – 6pm

Anthony Minghella Theatre, Booking required

Drinks Reception: Sat 17 6 – 8pm All Welcome

As a model and actress of the 1970s, Carinthia ‘hung out’ with some of the world’s most respected musicians and performers, taking photographs on her SLR Canon camera, and experimenting with different types of film. Many of her subjects were also her close friends at the time, and include David Bowie, Dame Helen Mirren, Eric Idle, Carly Simon, James Taylor, to mention a few. For this tongue-in-cheek and anecdotal exhibition she has chosen portraits of Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Neil Young, George Harrison, King Hussein of Jordan, and the Pink Floyd pig amongst others.

Carinthia West is the daughter of Christine and Michael West who helped establish Quay Arts in the 1970’s. Carinthia will be giving a talk about her parents and her work on Sat 17 Jul 5 – 6pm which will be followed by a film screening by The Bespoke Film Company in collaboration with Island schools on the history of the Quay Arts and The West Collection – A Quay Vision; an exhibition of the Wests’ art collection in the Michael West Gallery (Sat 3 Jul – Sat 4 Sep).

‘Hanging Out’ by Carinthia West runs from: Sat 17 Jul – Sat 28 Aug, Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, Isle of Wight PO30 5BD

Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts Newport Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

20th June – Fathers Day Specials Steam Trains are just made for Dads!

Whether he reminisces about steam train travel as a boy, wants to check out all the engineering stuff, or secretly dreams of being a train driver, your Dad, whatever his age, will enjoy a day out at the IWSR! All dads travelling on the train will receive a free gift and the Railway’s Refreshment Rooms will be open all day for meals and refreshments. Tickets – Steam Train fares: Adults £9.50, Children (5-15) £5.00, Infant (0-4) FREE, Family £24.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children). For full details please contact: 01983 882204 www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Fathers Day Specials Steam Trains Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

LAUNCH OF FSB’s SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY AWARDS 2010

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has launched this year’s bid to find the best small business friendly initiatives undertaken by the region’s local authorities. The Small Business Friendly Awards 2010 has three categories and councils are being encouraged to enter as many categories as they wish.

The launch took place at Botleigh Grange Hotel, Botley with representatives from Councils across  the region attending. Introducing the awards Regional Chairman, Ken Moon, told the mix of Council Leaders and Economic Development Officers that the inaugural awards in 2009 had been a resounding success and had uncovered some excellent work undertaken by local councils to support small businesses in their areas.

Mr Moon said: “The FSB looks to the region’s local authorities to help create the environment for small businesses to survive and thrive. We are keen to recognise any organisation that has gone above and beyond to achieve this. The Small Business Friendly Awards scheme shows all local authorities in the UK the best examples of services and high levels of support that this region’s small businesses receive from their councils.”

The three categories are:

• Best Small Business Friendly Procurement Policy
• Best Small Business Friendly Programme or Campaign
• Best All Round Small Business Friendliness

The Councils have until 2 August to submit their entries and the winners will be announced in late September.

“The FSB has worked very hard to create and maintain a good working relationship with local authorities and these awards are a further initiative to recognise in public, the efforts made to encourage and improve local economic regeneration within the small business sector,” added Mr Moon

More information is available at http://www.fsb.org.uk.

LAUNCH OF FSB’s SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY AWARDS 2010 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Needles Old Battery – Round the Island Yacht Race Breakfast 19 June 6am – 11am Watch the yachts round the Needles rocks from the spectacular vantage point of the Needles Old Battery whilst enjoying a hearty breakfast in the tea room or, if the weather permits, outside on the grassy slopes. For wheelchair users and less abled visitors there is now a viewing platform at the far end of the Parade Ground overlooking the Needles (limited space). For disabled access please phone 01983 754772. For commercial filming and photography please contact the Assistant Property Manager on 01983 741020. Normal admission charges apply and do not include breakfast. Additional charge for breakfast £6.99. All Images byChris Boynton if you wish to enquire – purchase an image please email: chris.boynton@virgin.net or call on +44 (0)1983 406007. Chris Boynton www.chrisboynton.co.uk

Needles Old Battery – Round the Island Yacht Race Breakfast 19 June 6am is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel launches HoverFest

Hovertravel, the fastest way to the Isle of Wight, is launching the HoverFest, in association with Galaxy 100-106, ready for the festival goers travelling to the island.

On both Thursday 10 June and Friday 11 June, Hovertravel will host two afternoons of live DJ mixes supplied by Galaxy 100-106 between the hours of 12pm and 6pm. Travellers can enjoy the music at the Southsea terminal as well as onboard the hovercraft. DJ’s performing on the days will be Galaxy’s 100-106’s Ben Glover, Sparky and Gillies.

Neil Chapman, Managing Director of Hovertravel, said: “Visitors to The Isle of Wight festival often choose Hovertravel because we are the quickest way to travel to the island. This year to get the party started even faster we are launching the HoverFest to add to the excitement and help get our customers in the mood for the big event.”

Hovertravel launches HoverFest is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Go Wild in the Woods

Come and enjoy a fascinating day in the life of the woodland of Firestone Copse during the spring half-term holidays on Wednesday 2 June.

Set your alarm clocks early as the day begins at 5am with a dawn chorus walk followed by lots of other great wildlife activities throughout the day including pond dipping, woodland crafts, wildflower and butterfly walks, tree climbing, canoe safaris and outdoor art plus loads more, and will draw to a close with night time wildlife detecting at dusk.

We’ll also need your help with Island’s very first BioBlitz where you can get involved with recording all the species that we see on the day – so bring a camera!

Parking is limited at Firestone Copse, so please try and car share. A free hourly shuttle minibus will run from Station Road Steam Railway car park in Wootton.

For the latest event updates and activities timetable visit www.wildonwight.co.uk

Go Wild in the Woods is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Naturezones is run at a ten acre site consisting of wildflower meadows and native woodland at Blackwater. It is a great venue for children to become Nature Detectives. The Wildlife Education Centre was set up by Angela Hewitt and her husband three years ago with the help of Heritage Lottery funding.

Numerous activities include: Tuesday Holiday Club, for 6 – 12 year olds. This includes Hide building, treasure hunts, art and craft. They offer Birthday Parties during the school holidays which include a healthy eating picnic and nature discovery activities – the parents provide the birthday cake. Parents can either stay and join in the fun or leave them in capable hands for two and a half hours.

Naturezones latest project is The Green Girls Saturday Club – giving nature a helping hand. This club is for 8 – 12 year olds and is held the last Saturday of every month. The Green Girls will take part in Forest School type activities, nature investigation, help with the Meadow Makers project and even the odd excursion to other nature reserves on the Island.

Naturezones supports the national curriculum in natural sciences (particularly in the understanding of wildlife habitats), geography, art and craft and social skills in all of its activities. As well as offering one free school visit for up to 30 children until July 2011. They also support the Diploma course for higher education students with work experience and citizenship skills.

There is something for parents too, with their volunteer programme and workshops.

For more info go to www.naturezones.org.uk

Children discovering nature at their own pace. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Cecilia Le Poer Power Concert

What looks in prospect to be a delightful concert is taking place at St Boniface Parish Church, Bonchurch on Saturday, May 22nd at 8.00pm.

An intimate evening of traditional and original songs will be performed by singer Cecilia Le Poer Power, accompanied by Martin Riley on piano and Amanda Whiting on harp. Bath based singer Cecilia is currently collaborating with Moya Brennan (the voice of Clannad) who is the guest on Cecilia’s forthcoming album ‘Keep You In Peace’.

Here are a couple of quotes about Cecilia’s music : ‘Elegant new vocal star’ – The Guardian ‘Emotive singer blending classical and folk’ – The Times

Cecilia is a charming lady with a lovely voice and she is very highly regarded interpreter of folk song.

To find out more about Cecilia’s music please contact Vic King (vic007@btinternet.com) or go to www.ceciliasylvan.com

Tickets for the concert are £10.00 each and can be obtained from Waterstones’, Newport or by phoning 01983-730930.

All profits from the concert will go to church funds. It promises to be a memorable evening.

Cecilia Le Poer Power Concert is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Fancy Free Summer Festival Tickets?

Where there’s a skill there’s a way…

launches ‘Summer of Give’ campaign:  Give Time. Get Your Free Festival Ticket

Suffering from a lack of festival funds? Finding that tickets are already sold out? Well, don’t write off the 2010 music festival season just yet says  , The National Young Volunteers service, as where there’s a skill there’s always a way!

has launched ‘Summer of Give’, a brand new initiative asking 18-25 year olds across the country to give their free time this summer to get the time of their lives for FREE at some of the UK’s most sought after – and already sold out music festivals including Isle of Wight, V Festival, T4 on the Beach, Relentless Boardmasters and Creamfields.

Talented 18-25 year olds are being called upon to join the vcrew on the bigvbus at each location. The deal? Get creative and share your time and talents with others in return for free festival access. Simple.

All willing volunteers have to do is log on to www.vinspired.com/summerofgive and tell  what skills they can uniquely offer for free at each festival location. So whether it’s music, dance, photography, writing or even fashion styling skills that make you stand out from the crowd,  needs your help and for just four hours a day. That’s it!

Aspiring DJ’s and bands could hit the top deck of the bigvbus and play a warm up festival set while promising photographers and writers snap, blog and tweet the festival scene. Graffiti artists and dancers could even hold master classes on-board – it’s your call, just tell  what you can do.

Not sure you have a special talent but still eager to get involved? 18-25 year olds looking for more general volunteering opportunities at festivals can still visit vinspired.com to see how else they can get involved in the festival scene for free this summer. All volunteer applications will be judged by ’ s ‘Summer of Give’ panel and those chosen will receive a free festival pass. Creative volunteers will also be given a dedicated performance space each day on the bigvbus.

Director of Marketing and Communications, Jenni Young, comments: “The ’Summer of Give’ initiative aims to make young people look at volunteering in a whole new light. We have some of the biggest festival names on side to show that volunteering can really get you places, the very best places – and for FREE!   This campaign also offers young, ambitious talent a unique opportunity to shine in an amazing setting.” For all the information you could possibly need about volunteering opportunities on the festival scene this summer vinspired.com is a great one-stop-shop. As well as details about the ‘Summer of Give’ – other festival volunteering opportunities also showcased include roles at Latitude, Freeze Festival, Big Chill, Womad, Summer Sundae and Bestival to name a few. For further details on ‘Summer of Give,’ deadlines for each festival applications and v’s terms and conditions, please log on to www.vinspired.com/summerofgive

‘Summer of Give’ 2010 Festivals:

• Isle of Wight: 11-13^th June 2010
• T4 on the Beach: 4^th July 2010
• Relentless Boardmasters: 4- 8^th August 2010
• V Festival: 21^st – 22^nd August 2010
• Creamfields: 28^th – 29^th August 2010

Fancy Free Summer Festival Tickets? is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk