The Isle of Wight is planning to ride the crest of a wave as it celebrates its maritime history, heritage and holiday appeal during a lively, nine-day “Festival of the Sea” across the whole of the Island - lasting from Saturday, 14th September to Sunday, 22nd September.

Aimed at giving the out-of-season visitor more things to see and do during a September stay on the Isle of Wight, it is also expected to attract additional day visitors, as well as family groups during two especially action-packed ‘shoulder’ weekends.

The full programme of events will include everything from sea shanties, beach art displays, fishing, cookery displays and food-tastings, through to opportunities to charter boats, sailing lessons, kite festivals, talks…and even organised cycle rides that end-up with fish’n’chips on the beach!

The Isle of Wight’s Festival of the Sea will be anchored by headline events such as The Sea Shanty at the Spyglass Inn Ventnor, a Beach Arts Festival in Fishbourne, the Red Funnel Food Show in Cowes, and a new competitive Fishing Festival.

All other events and promotional activities on the same theme are then being brought under the Festival banner to ensure that this and all future years will include a lively mix of events to draw in the crowds.