There are theatres in Shanklin, Ryde and Cowes and two in Newport offering a range of life performances and shows. The Isle of Wight has a thriving festival programme. The Isle of Wight international jazz festival is held in Ventnor in April. Festivals elsewhere in the Island include the Isle of Wight Festival, Cowes week, Osborne House Classical Concert and the Isle of Wight Folk and Blues Festival and White Air Extreme Sports Festival. Within Ventnor, there is music most nights at the Spyglass Inn during summer weeks.

The Island breaks website www.islandbreaks.co.uk provides details of all possible activities across the island. There are opportunities for a wide range of pursuits including walking, cycling, windsurfing, sailing, birdwatching, climbing, flying and paragliding. Pleasure flights are offered from the Island Airports.

What's happening on the Isle of Wight

Learn Dances from Saturday Night Fever
[Event Starts: 7:30 pm 24/06/2008 - Event Ends: 8:30 pm 29/07/2008] IMPROVE YOUR GROOVE!, learn the dances from SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER STARTS 24TH JUNE dances to include Night Fever Line Hustle, The Bus Stop, Latin Hustle & more 7.30pm-8.30pm Join us for a fun evening to prepare for your next 70's party night Tel 861488 Club Dance Pegasus to book

Music from the Movies - Reel to Reel
[Event Starts: 7:30 pm 26/06/2008 - Event Ends: 10:30 pm 26/08/2008] Ventnor Theatre Group presents a family show of well known songs, dances and music from the movies, past and present. Performances on 26th, 27th, 28th June at 7.30 and 29th June at 2.30pm. Then through the summer on Tuesday nights (15th 22nd, 29th July and 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th August 2008) From 007 to Ghostbusters there will be something for everyone!

1940s Experience
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 05/07/2008 - Event Ends: 5:00 pm 06/07/2008] Enter a world of make do and mend, where soldiers are on the street and Land Army girls are in the driving seat. See the 1940's home, admire the music and fashions of the era.

1940s Weekend
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 05/07/2008 - Event Ends: 6:00 pm 06/07/2008] Back in time to the 1940s. Military vehicles, music and dancing, train rides in vintage steam locomotives.

Renaissance sing Christian music
[Event Starts: 7:30 pm 05/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 05/07/2008] Renaissance, directed by Margaret Dawson,pianist Robin Littler, sing Christian music at Castlehold Baptist Church Newport at 7.30pm. Freewill retiring collection for St Lukes Leprosarium, South India

Piano Recital
[Event Starts: 7:30 pm 05/07/2008 - Event Ends: 9:30 pm 05/07/2008] Piano Recital by Jill Crosslandb

Summer Fete
[Event Starts: 12:00 pm 05/07/2008 - Event Ends: 2:00 pm 05/07/2008] Priory School summer fete with a variety of traditional and modern stalls.

Newport Women's Day
[Event Starts: 9:30 am 06/07/2008 - Event Ends: 3:30 pm 06/07/2008] Barn/Folk Dancing; Car Mechanics; Candle Rolling; Cooking; Creative Writing; Circus Skills; Duffle Bag PAinting; Encaustoc Art; Face Destress; Galss Painting; Golf 4 Beginners; Indian Head Massage; Nail Art; Planting Pots; Reflexology; Salsa Dancing; Samba Drunning; Tea Bag Folding; Water Colours; Working for Yourself; Yoga/Meditation

Newport Women's Day
[Event Starts: 9:30 am 06/07/2008 - Event Ends: 3:30 pm 06/07/2008] Taster Sessions - Phone Fran 559069 to book your place or request a brochure. Barn/Folk Dancing; Car Mechanics; Candle Rolling; Cooking; Creative Writing; Circus Skills; Duffle Bag Painting; Encaustic Art; Face Destress; Glass Painting; Golf 4 Beginners; Indian Head Massage; Nail Art; Planting Pots; Reflexology; Salsa Dancing; Samba Drunning; Tea Bag Folding; Water Colours; Working for Yourself; Yoga/Meditation

Blood Donor Session
[Event Starts: 1:00 pm 07/07/2008 - Event Ends: 7:00 pm 07/07/2008] More than a third of people know someone who has received blood. One in ten have received blood themselves. Yet, only four per cent of the eligible population donate. You never know when you or someone close to you could need blood, so give a pint today. You could be saving the life of someone dear. Call NOW to make an appointment 0845 7 711 711 Session times:- 13.00 - 15.30 & 16.30 - 19.00

Organ recital
[Event Starts: 12:30 pm 08/07/2008 - Event Ends: 1:15 pm 08/07/2008] Organ recital by visiting organists. Bring you lunch and relax and enjoy the music.

Blood Donor Session
[Event Starts: 1:00 pm 10/07/2008 - Event Ends: 7:00 pm 10/07/2008] More than a third of people know someone who has received blood. One in ten have received blood themselves. Yet, only four per cent of the eligible population donate. You never know when you or someone close to you could need blood, so give a pint today. You could be saving the life of someone dear. Call NOW to make an appointment 0845 7 711 711 Session times:- 13.00 - 15.30 & 16.30 - 19.00

Finds Roadshow at Newport Roman Villa
[Event Starts: 10:30 am 12/07/2008 - Event Ends: 3:30 pm 12/07/2008] Come along to the Finds Roadshow at Newport Roman Villa on Saturday 12th July. Entry is free and archaeologist Frank Basford will be available to identify any archaeological finds. There will be activities for families including storytelling and clay modelling. Come and make a Roman style animal to take home. Our Roman herb garden is also looking rather splendid! Entry is free and activities will run from 10.30 - 3.30

Book, Postcard & Ephemera Fair
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 13/07/2008 - Event Ends: 3:30 pm 13/07/2008] Small Book, Postcard & Ephemera Fair, with up to 10 dealers. Admission free.

NT Guided Walk: Wildlife on Tennyson Down
[Event Starts: 2:00 pm 14/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 14/07/2008] A circular walk with the warden to look for cliff top wildlife and flowers, such as early gentian, ravens, peregrine falcons and Dartford warblers. Moderately strenuous with a short but steep descent. 2.5 hours. 3 miles. Sorry no dogs.

'Money, Masks and Mysteries'
[Event Starts: 10:30 am 16/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 16/07/2008] Join the Custodian for a talk on the mysterious Ferguson Gang and other aspects of the Town Hall's history. Places limited and must be booked in advance on 01983 741020.

Blood Donor Session
[Event Starts: 1:00 pm 16/07/2008 - Event Ends: 7:00 pm 16/07/2008] More than a third of people know someone who has received blood. One in ten have received blood themselves. Yet, only four per cent of the eligible population donate. You never know when you or someone close to you could need blood, so give a pint today. You could be saving the life of someone dear. Call NOW to make an appointment 0845 7 711 711 Session times:- 13.00 - 15.30 & 16.30 - 19.00

Country Life and Garden Show
[Event Starts: 9:00 am 19/07/2008 - Event Ends: 5:00 pm 20/07/2008] The Country Life and Garden Show has attractions from all including main arena events throughout the weekend, many stalls, craft tent, Food Hall, cookery demos, Horticultural, Animal classes, entertainment, beer tent, Island produce.

rock n roll dance and band night
[Event Starts: 7:30 pm 19/07/2008 - Event Ends: 11:45 pm 19/07/2008] Rock and Roll on the Isle of Wight A great evenings entertainment Featuring from the mainland; The King Kats, one of the most successful bands on the circuit will be playing on Saturday 19th July, supported by DJ Rockin' Dave. For more information or tickets, contact Shirley on . Ticket price £7.00.

Round the Island Stationary Row
[Event Starts: 9:00 am 19/07/2008 - Event Ends: 4:00 pm 19/07/2008] Round the Island Stationary Row by Newport Rowing Club (http://www.newportrowingclub.co.uk/). Funds raised going to Newport Rowing Club and the SQ2SQ Charity Cycle Challenge Appeal 2008.

Nightjar Watching on Mottistone Common
[Event Starts: 8:30 pm 22/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 22/07/2008] An evening stroll with the National Trust to watch these amazing birds catching moths and hear their strange call as they fly around their nesting habitat. Sorry no dogs, some short slopes. Bring Binoculars & a torch

The Night Sky: Star Gazing on Mottistone Down
[Event Starts: 10:30 pm 23/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 23/07/2008] Gaze at stars, planets and moons with telescopes and assistance from the NT and local planetarium staff. Not too much walking involved. Bring your own camp stool if you wish. Weather dependant. Please phone National Trust on day to check (01983 741020) 1.5 hrs. Sorry no dogs.

WildZone - Tennyson Down Bug Hunt & Tree Trackers
[Event Starts: 1:30 pm 23/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 23/07/2008] For adventurous families - we will be using National Trust Discovery packs with wildlife guides to do some exciting activities. PLACES MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE ON 01983 741020. Charge £5 per pack to borrow. This popular programme of special family activities is organised by the Newtown Nature Reserve Warden. All children must be accompanied. Sorry no dogs.

START UP BUSINESS NETWORKING
[Event Starts: 6:30 pm 23/07/2008 - Event Ends: 8:30 pm 23/07/2008] If you are considering starting your own business and would like a little more help to get you going in the right direction, come along and meet like-minded people to share ideas. A very informal meeting where the Enterprise Gateway facilitators will be available with expert advice to help you on the journey.

Blood Donor Session
[Event Starts: 1:00 pm 23/07/2008 - Event Ends: 7:00 pm 24/07/2008] More than a third of people know someone who has received blood. One in ten have received blood themselves. Yet, only four per cent of the eligible population donate. You never know when you or someone close to you could need blood, so give a pint today. You could be saving the life of someone dear. Call NOW to make an appointment 0845 7 711 711 Session Days:- Wed 23rd & Thur 24th July Session times:- 13.00 - 15.30 & 16.30 - 19.00

IOW Short Film Festival & Competition First Heat
[Event Starts: 7:30 pm 24/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 24/07/2008] First heat of the IOW Film Network short film competition. Come and see a selection of short films made on the IOW/by Island residents.

Day Out With Thomas
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 25/07/2008 - Event Ends: 4:30 pm 29/07/2008] The famous little blue engine and friends come to Havenstreet, enjoy train rides, the Fat Controller, round a bouts, bouncy castles, magic shows, story time and lots more!

The National Trust's 21st Mottistone Jazz
[Event Starts: 6:30 pm 26/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 26/07/2008] Bring a picnic, enjoy the jazz and then dance the night away in the magical gardens of Mottistone Manor. Sponsored by Wightlink & the IW County Press. Tickets on sale early March - phone 01983 740689 for details.

Victorian Military Re-enactment
[Event Starts: 12:00 pm 27/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 27/07/2008] The Fort Cumberland Guard demonstrate life in the Victorian army with marching, drills and musket fire! Displays at 12 noon and 2.30pm. (The Battery will be open from 10.30am to 5pm with last admission at 430pm).

RSPCA IW BRANCH GALA DAY
[Event Starts: 11:00 am 27/07/2008 - Event Ends: 4:00 pm 27/07/2008] Dog Show Dog Agility Lots of Stalls Refreshments Barbecue Childrens entertainment Grand Raffle Other animal charities will attend

Charity Spider Ride & Jumping Show
[Event Starts: 10:30 am 27/07/2008 - Event Ends: 5:00 pm 27/07/2008] Charity Spider Ride and Jumping Show - 7 classes in aid of the Brooke Hospital and Dogs Trust

Sandown Carnival Children's Parade
[Event Starts: 2:15 pm 29/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 29/07/2008] Sandown Carnival Children's Parade is one of the biggest on the island featuring children in colourful costumes, floats and bands all parading through the town's streets.

Sandown Carnival Main Parade
[Event Starts: 7:00 pm 30/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 30/07/2008] Sandown Main Carnival Parade is one of the biggest & best on the island featuring hundreds of spectacular costumes, amazing floats and bands parading through the town's streets. Many say it has the best atmosphere of all the islands carnivals!!!

WildZone - Moth-tastic at Mottistone
[Event Starts: 8:00 pm 30/07/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 31/07/2008] Treacle the trees to see what eats that sticky sap-like stuff then return in the morning to see real live moths caught by a light. PLACES MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE ON 01983 741020. Meet at 8pm on Wed 30 July and return on Thurs 31 July at 9am. Approximately 2 hours in the evening and 1 hour the following morning. This popular programme of special family activities is organised by the NT Newtown Nature Reserve Warden. All children must be accompanied. Sorry no dogs. Please bring a torch

Innerspirit Holisitc Fayre & Pamper Day
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 02/08/2008 - Event Ends: 3:00 pm 03/08/2008] A chance for the whole family to come along and experience and learn more about Complementary & Alternative Therapies, Taster Treaments available on the day also Clairvoyant Readings. Retail stands from Organic Products to Fair Trade , Jewellery , Gifts, Crystals. Stand available for Loacl Traders and Therapists

The Secret Lives Of Henry and Alice.
[Event Starts: 8:15 pm 02/08/2008 - Event Ends: N/A 30/08/2008] Two's Company present a comedy by David Tristram. Meet Henry and Alice Smith. Both live in fantasy worlds that seem a million miles apart. Only you and their pet goldfish Orca will ever know the true story!

Living History
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 03/08/2008 - Event Ends: 5:00 pm 08/08/2008] Go back in time to the 17th century where you can see how they lived and worked. A story will be re-enacted throughout the event. Drill displays, cooking of the period, courtly dancing & much more.

Urban Funk Dance Summer Course
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 04/08/2008 - Event Ends: 4:00 pm 08/08/2008] A week of hip hop dance, break dance, popping and locking plus workshops such as graffiti and djing. For 7-18 year olds from 10am - 4pm each day

Urban Funk Dance Summer Course
[Event Starts: 10:00 am 04/08/2008 - Event Ends: 4:00 pm 08/08/2008] A week of hip hop dance, break dance, popping and locking plus workshops such as graffiti and djing. For 7-18 year olds from 10am - 4pm each day