After a challenging period for many, The People’s Palace of Possibility is an outdoor installation which asks how we find energy for change, despite our fear and anger about the future. It is rooted in utopias. The mystery of the utopias which have gone before, become misplaced, or gone wrong. And in the impulse for escape; for doing something radically different from life as we know it.
The Palace is nomadic and always growing. Right now it has a radio station, a kitchen, a pantry, and an escape hatch. The Palace is added to and animated by people wherever it goes. So far it has been to London, Rotherham, the Scottish Highlands and now the Isle of Wight.
Join us this Spring at our brand new space Ingrams Yard for a unique outdoor experience… As we begin to imagine how we can transform our new building into something the whole community can benefit from, what better time to start looking to the future?
The Palace is open from 11-4pm
Creative Ryde is a cultural hub, facilitated by Creative Island, the Island's Cultural Development Agency who is committed to convening a series of local conversations with the cultural community of each town on the Isle of Wight.
Creative Island's ambition is to speak about and listen to the particular challenges and opportunities that we all face, to explore collaborative opportunities, share information and network with others.
The first of many
The first of these creative events was held in Ryde in October 2023. It involved creative practitioners, cultural leaders, town councillors and influencers in Ryde. Meetings are held every quarter to discuss challenges, achievements and more.
This section of the site encompasses all arts events taking place in Ryde.
Find out more
Visit the Creative Island website to find out more the Isle of Wight Cultural Development Agency
Experience the legendary Isle of Wight Festival 2024, returning with a bang from June 20-23. Celebrating its rich legacy, the festival showcases a stellar lineup, including headliners The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, and Green Day, among other top-tier acts. As one of the UK's most anticipated music events, Isle of Wight Festival combines the charm of its historic roots with a modern flair that caters to fans across the musical spectrum. Tickets are now available for those looking to capture the essence of live music at one of the year's most vibrant gatherings. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the Isle of Wight Festival's 2024 edition – a cornerstone of the summer festival season!
The Isle of Wight’s artistic tapestry is set to be showcased once more, as the IW Open Studios makes a triumphant return in 2024.
This event, steeped in a rich history of fostering community and creativity, opens doors — quite literally — to the vibrant studios of local artists, inviting both residents and visitors to embark on a journey of artistic discovery.
Spanning nearly two decades, the IW Open Studios has been a cornerstone of cultural exploration on the Island, allowing the public a rare glimpse into the creative processes of artists.
Somewhen is a storytelling festival celebrating everything to do with the age-old art of telling stories.
Organised by The Island Storytellers, Somewhen is bringing storytellers, speakers, and workshop leaders of international repute, as well as local speakers and storytellers, to capture the minds and imagination of adults and children too.
Medina Bookshop have a lively and varied programme of events throughout the year, from talks and book signings to live music and poetry.
Ventnor Fringe returns for 10 days in July 2023 to celebrate creativity in all its forms !
Full programme to follow once all acts are confirmed - April 2023
A wonderland of pop-up bars and boutique venues, featuring more than 300 artists from across the world!
During this unique Island tradition, the Isle of Wight’s southernmost town is totally transformed into a whole world of pop up venues and bars in every conceivable space, hosting over 100 different shows.
Pick and choose which ticketed events to see or simply explore the many free events on offer.
A celebration and promotion of the Isle of Wight’s Dark Skies.
Talks, interactive activities, and installations will engage and inspire young and old. Likeminded organisations, schools, and the IW college, will work together to highlight the Island’s dark skies, the importance of preserving and enhancing them for the health and wellbeing of people and nature.
Raising awareness of Dark Skies on the Isle of Wight. Astronomy, nocturnal wildlife and insects, photography, science, art, heritage, and culture will be explored within the festival, supporting the Isle of Wight’s application to become a ‘Dark Skies Park’.
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival will be held On 6 – 9th October, 2022. Over 45 speakers have been confirmed and include Lynda La Plante, Jeremy Bowen, Richard Ingrams, Tracy Borman, Robert Hardman, Joanne Harris, And Alan Johnson.
The Harp On Wight International takes place between 28th October 2022 - 1st November 2022. See the Website for the latest news.
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
Individual opening dates will vary
Ventnor Fringe Festival returns for another year, with music, comedy, theatre and loads more.