Sandown gets together next week to plan the return of the town’s historic Sandown Bay Regatta over the weekend of 13th and 14th August. Organised by Sandown Carnival, the idea is to combine tradition with new attractions for a relaunch of the 165 year-old event this summer. As well as the expected sailing races and beach favourites like tug of war, ideas in the pipeline include sea swimming, paddleboard contests, sea shanty performances and a comeback for the Sandown Bay Regatta hat.

All are invited to an open meeting about the Regatta on Monday 21 February, 7pm at The Broadway Centre, 1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 9GG

Paul Coueslant, Chair of Sandown Carnival Association, says,

"Over the next few years, we’d love Sandown Bay Regatta to become an annual celebration of our amazing Bay and beaches.

"We’re looking to partner with local businesses, community groups and residents to stage activities on the water, on the shore and around the town. We’re keen to find out what people want to bring to the event so we can build it together. The Bay Regatta provides a fantastic opportunity in the peak summer season to showcase Sandown as one of the Island’s favourite places to be."