Visit the Isle of Wight this summer: The top 10 must-see events for families and grown-ups

Whether you’re seeking fun-filled experiences for the family or chic destinations just for the adults, the Isle of Wight offers a diverse range to cater for everyone.

And Wightlink is ready and waiting to take you there for this summertime season of happiness, whatever you want to do.

The award-winning ferry firm has recommended five family events and five for the grown-ups this season.

Discover the best of both worlds and make the most of your summer escape on this enchanting island just across the water.

The top five events for families on the Isle of Wight this summer

1 - Family Firework Fun: Every Thursday at The Needles’ Landmark Attraction in August, you can enjoy Magic in the Skies. The event runs from 10am until late, and families can enjoy shopping, foodie treats, live music and family entertainment. And then the exciting climax after dusk (weather permitting) as an iconic firework display lights up the landmark. It’s the perfect way to end a family day out.

2 - Foam parties and confetti cannons: Expect fun foam, confetti and laser parties for children, carnival performers and a fireworks extravaganza every Wednesday evening from July 30 to August 27. There will be full party vibes at Blackgang Chine’s Summer Fest.

3 - Carnivals galore: You’ll never be far away from some carnival fun on the Isle of Wight this summer. A huge number of carnivals are taking place across the island, delivering joyous parades of colour and music. Ryde, Shanklin, Newport, and Sandown also have spectacular illuminated carnivals with evening parades that make the most of balmy summer nights.

4 - Barn dances and kids’ raves: Tapnell Farm Park is open until 8pm on selected dates during the holidays, which gives more time for family fun! On Tuesdays they host Moo-Mania, with games, acrobatics and a kids’ rave. And every Thursday there’s Barn, Boots & Beats – a high-octane evening of live music, dancing, food, street performers, and a wild ride on the rodeo bull!

5 - Garlicky Family Fun: On August 16 and 17 families can experience the Isle of Wight’s biggest summer show at The Garlic Festival. As well as incredible - and garlicky - food, there will be live music, children’s activities, star chefs, arena entertainment and live shows. Children will love Camp Garlic where they can enjoy free arts and crafts.

The top five events for grown-ups on the Isle of Wight this summer

1 - Wight Proms: The Wight Proms come to Northwood House for eight days between August 12 and 17. The diverse programme of events includes comedy (Fascinating Aida), dance (Giovanni Pernice) and country (with Dolly Bingo and line dancing) while concerts offer opera, musicals and classical music.

2 - Barbecue & Beats: Every Saturday in August the Garlic Farm puts on an evening of relaxed barbecue food and an eclectic selection of live music on the lawn overlooking the Arreton Valley. Cocktails, beers, wine and barbecued food are accompanied by reggae and ska, modern soul and RnB, Ibiza chilled classics and gypsy jazz.

3 - Live Music in a Vineyard: The Isle of Wight’s vineyard, Adgestone, is open Wednesday to Sunday for tours, wine tastings, shop visits, and delicious food and drink. You can also catch live acoustic music on selected dates until mid-September. Kick back to enjoy the sea views with an antipasti sharing platter and a glass of wine on the raised decking above the vines.

4 - Feel Good Hits: Take a short FastCat ride across the Solent to Ticket To Ryde. Experience two days (August 23 and 24) of free feel-good live music including reggae, ska, Northern Soul and 2 Tone. Enjoy a taste of the island from the real ale bar and local food traders while admiring an impressive parade of scooters nearby – as it’s held during the annual International Scooter Rally.

5 - Cowes Week: The famous Cowes Week (August 2 to 8) is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world, staging up to 40 daily races for around 750 boats. Up to 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing, enjoy the après-sail parties and to experience the unique atmosphere. It’s a one-of-a-kind event with plenty of exciting onshore activities for spectators.

For more inspiration on what to do this summer, and to find out how to plan your journey, go to www.wightlink.co.uk