The month of May will see the second land-based educational event run by Social Enterprise, Swim The Wight and the Quay Arts Centre.

National and local speakers will take to the stage in the Anthony Minghella Theatre in a day of inspirational talks, stalls, discussion and art with the overriding theme of Swimming and the Sea.

The event is open to swimmers and non-swimmers alike, who will have the opportunity learn about a range of topics, from the physiological effects of cold water; sea creatures of the Solent; waves, tides and currents around the IOW; long distance swimming in the Arctic and local projects and aspirations.

This is your chance to meet other open water swimmers, share tips and information about best swimming spots, kits, events and more.

• 11:15-12:00 Dr Simon Boxall (Oceanographer)

• 12:15-13:00 Keith Herbert (Southern Water)

• 14:00-14:45 RNLI (Solent tides & currents)

• 15:00-15:45 Dr Heather Massey (Extreme environment physiologist)

• 16:15-17:00 Theo Vickers (Underwater photographer)

• 17:15-18:00 The Solent Sea Grass Project & Aspire Gorillas

• 18.15-19.00 Cath Pendleton (Merthyr Mermaid)

Stallholders will include: Swim The Wight, Isle of Wight Distillery, Wight Salt, Wight Paleo Creations, Island Refillery, Orange Hat Ladies, Finch and Bell, Soap and Anchor, Bird Aware, Secrets of The Solent from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Swim The Wight’s mission to inspire and assist more people to swim safely in the sea is supported by this event.

We are grateful to Isle of Wight Distillery (home of Mermaid Gin) for sponsoring us to put on this event.

The event will run at the same time as Riverfest, so why not pop along to both!

Tickets for the theatre programme (Priced just £10) go to: Vitamin Sea at the Quay.

Entry to the Quay Arts and the stalls is free.