Fri 1st February
The Blues Room featuring The Ian Siegal Band

A great night of blues at The Venue @ Ryde Theatre.

Ian Siegal is THE hot property on the European Blues scene; a singer, songwriter and guitarist who is putting the UK back on the world Blues map. Dubbed by Mojo magazine as “the cleverest writer and most magnetic performer of blues currently working in the UK,” Ian has just brought out his latest album, “Swagger” to critical acclaim. "The closest thing I've heard to Howlin' Wolf" - Jeff Beck.

Plus Support from The Amen Boogie Blues Band (Chicago Blues from the Medina Delta). Admission: £12 advance, £14 on door. 8pm - 11.30pm. Box Office: 01983 568099

Fri 11th April - Sun 13th April
Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival

The Capital of Jazz in the Deep South of the UK (Ventnor) has a stunning line up for the Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival 2008 including the Maceo Parker Band featuring Dennis Rollins.

Also appearing is Pete Long’s 18 piece Big Swing Orchestra fronted by Liane Carroll and Ian Shaw, Tony Kofi Trio + 1, Gilad Atzmon, JazzCotech Dancers and the annual Messin’ Around Club Night this year featuring DJ Perry Louis with the Latin grooves of Manteca and the afro-soul sounds of Thabani.

Derek Nash appearing with Protect the Beat, F-ire Collective with Barak Schmool & Finn Peters, Ian Shaw, Aydenne Simone, Cameron Pierre, Tom Cawley’s Curios, Empirical and many many more acts.

Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival
Website: www.iowjazzfestival.co.uk

Sat 3rd May - Sun 18th May
Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2008

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival has been held on the Island every May since 1999 and is the largest walking festival in the UK. It is an extremely popular event and attracts huge numbers from all over the world.The festival offers more than 100 guided walks that cater for all ages and abilities. Included in the festival is "Walk the Wight", a long distance sponsored walk, with proceeds going to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Isle of Wight Walking Festival Website: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Sun 4th May
Isle of Wight Randonnee
This year's IOW Randonnee (the 24th!) will be ridden in a clockwise direction with a choice of 100km and 55km rides.
No entry fee and no need to pre-register. Start at any of the checkpoints on the day. The event attracts around 1500 cyclists each year! Full details on the website: www.cycleisland.co.uk

Fri 9th May - Sun 11th May
Ribex
Ribex is held at Cowes Yacht Haven and is the only boat show in the world that is dedicated exclusively to Rigid Inflatable Boats. Ribex Website: www.ribexhibitions.co.uk

Fri 23 - Mon 26 May
Big Wight Mountain Bike Festival
This Mountain Bike Festival has established itself as a “don't miss” event for hundreds of bikers and its unique combination of superb riding, events, on site camping, catering, bar and entertainment have earned it a reputation as the best party on the calendar for mountain bikers! Big Wight Mountain Bike Festival Website: www.trailbreak.co.uk/bigwight/index.php

Fri 30th May - Sun 1st June
Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival

Three days of free entertainment, craft stalls, live music and much more. The Old Gaffers, so called because of the traditional gaff rig, travel from all over the country to participate in these wonderful festivities held in the ancient town of Yarmouth.

Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival Website: www.yarmoutholdgaffersfestival.co.uk

Sat 28th June
Round the Island Race 2008

JPMorgan Asset Management Round The Island Race is the largest and most famous yachting race in the world. The race starts and finishes at Cowes and covers a 50 mile course around the Isle of Wight. Some of the biggest names in the sailing world compete with weekend sailors and family crews in this annual yachting extravaganza.

Round The Island Race Website:
www.roundtheisland.org.uk

Sat 2nd August - Sat 9th August
Cowes Week 2008

Cowes Week is the largest of all the Isle of Wight events, with around 1000 boats and 8500 competitors taking part in this world famous sailing regatta. With its exciting racing schedule and superb shore side activities, Cowes Week offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display on Friday (8th) evening.

Cowes Week Website: www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk

Fri 22nd August - Sun 24th August
Cowes - Torquay - Cowes Powerboat Race

The most famous endurance race in powerboating, the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes will be reintroduced to the sporting calendar in 2008 by Powerboat P1 Management Ltd, organisers of the Powerboat P1 World Championship.

The CTC, which first ran in 1961, will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and is expected to attract worldwide interest. Website: www.powerboatp1.com/ctc/

Fri 22nd August - Mon 25th August
Island Steam Show

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is proud to present its annual Island Steam Show - the premier steam event on the Isle of Wight. The Island Steam Show is a fun day out for the whole family! Website: www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Fri 22nd August - Mon 25th August
Isle of Wight International Scooter Rally

Held at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde, this is widely recognised as the biggest scooter event in the world. A fun-packed weekend for the scooter enthusiast culminating with a round the Island ride-out, this is an event that just has to be attended by every self-respecting scooterist.
For more information, visit: www.vfmscoot.co.uk

Wed 27th August
Sandown Carnival (Illuminated Procession)
Website: www.sandowncarnival.com

TBC
Garlic Festival

The Garlic Festival is held at Newchurch Showground, next to the Fighting Cocks pub at Arreton on the Newport to Sandown road. The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival is one of the largest events on the Island and attracts around 25,000 visitors each year. Don’t be fooled by the name of the event, this is much more than just garlic. It is two days packed with food, drink, music, fun, attractions and much more.
Garlic Festival Website: www.garlic-festival.co.uk

Fri 5th September - Sun 7th September
Bestival 2008

Sunday Best's Bestival is held at Robin Hill on the outskirts of Newport and has been voted the "Best Medium Sized Festival" at the UK Festival Awards for the third year running. Acts performing at this year's Bestival include: The Flaming Lips, Chuck Berry, Suzanne Vega, Billy Bragg, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, The Cuban Brothers, Florence and The Machine, King Creosote, Ladyhawke, The Wurzels, Scroobius Pip & many more.

Bestival Website: www.bestival.net

Thu 11th September - Sun 14th September
Little Britain Challenge Cup

The Little Britain Challenge Cup is the largest corporate yachting regatta in Europe, as well as the biggest UK gathering of senior figureheads from the construction and property industry. The regatta is held at Cowes and is one of the industry's top social sporting events of the year.

Little Britain Challenge Cup Website: www.littlebritain.co.uk

Thur 18th September - Sun 21st September
White Air Extreme Sports Festival

Water, beach, urban, air and land sports, plus art and live music stage is all on offer at this year’s White Air Extreme Sports Festival. With over 40 countries competing, 500 competitors, including world champions in 18 action sports and 21 “have a go!” public sports all at one place at one time, this is an Isle of Wight event not to be missed!

White Air Extreme Sports Festival Website: www.whiteair.co.uk