Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2006 | Page 11

PUT THIS IN YOUR DIARY... Mottistone Jazz Festival 14 July to 15 July Fri 7th April, Sat 8th April, Sun 9th April IW Jazz Festival bigger and better... If you missed it last year, make sure you don’t miss it again…it’s bigger, better, even more exciting! The festival promises a relaxing weekend of great jazz and the chance to escape the pressures of the 21st Century in the more leisurely surroundings of the Victorian seaside resort that’s increasingly attracting a community of actors, artists and musicians. The main venues for April 7-9 events are all within a short walking distance of one another in Ventnor town centre, and include The Royal Hotel on Belgrave Road, St.Catherine’s Church on Church Street, the large marquee at the Mill Bay on the Esplanade, the Winter Gardens, the Ventnor Towers Hotel on Madeira Road, and The Boathouse next to The Spyglass Inn on the Esplanade. This year sees the third Isle of Wight International Jazz (Divas) Festival down in the ‘deep south’ of the UK, Ventnor. The 2006 event will be featuring an International line-up of jazz music designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes and, once again, with a special focus on women in jazz, as well as new showcase of young talent. All events are open to ticket holders only, although you could check for last-minute availability at the Winter Gardens on the evening. Ask yourself, though - is it really worth the risk of missing your chosen gig? 6th - 16th April For more information or tickets, check out the website, www.jazzdivas.tv or call on 01983 856206. Fat Cat Real Ale & Cider Festival The Fat Cat at Freshwater Bay is going to make a song and dance of its landmark 10th anniversary in April – by hosting a 10-day festival of real ales and ciders and some good old traditional music to go with it. The event kicks off on Thursday April 6 with a programme by the well-known Men of Wight – and the chance for visitors to peruse the massive range of over 100 different real ales and ciders on offer, and decide which they’ll choose to tantalise their taste buds with over the next 10 days. Say the organisers: “You are in for a treat! One of the largest real ale festivals in Hampshire will be right here on your doorstep. There are ales from all over the United Kingdom to sample, from 3% proof right up to 12.5%. Fri 12th, Sat 13th, Sun 14th May For ribsters - it is the show not to be missed! RIBEX 2006, to be held on the 12th-14th of May at Cowes Yacht Haven, is set to be the stage for a number of companies launching brand new product into this rapidly growing international market. As the market for RIBs continues to flourish and evolve, not only are more and more new manufacturers emerging, but also, many of the established brands continue to strengthen their status with the launch of innovative new models. Companies such as Scorpion, Revenger and Avon are just such examples. Entry to the festival event is £5, which also buys your beer glass. Children are admitted for half price. The evening entertainment on offer will include something for everyone – with everything from traditional Morris dancers to rock ‘n’ roll bands, young talent and pop chart hopefuls. RIBEX 2006 is proud to announce that this year's show will see the launch of a number of exciting new craft never seen before; amongst them the Norwegian built stepped hulled 10 metre Arctic Blue RIB. Other European and world launches include those made by Caesar Marine with their brand new 8.5 metre 90mph sports cruiser, as well as the latest in all-weather design from TP Marine of the Netherlands. Much anticipation also surrounds the launch of the very first RIB model from UK premier motor-yacht builder, Hunton Powerboats. Food will also be available, and you can take your pick from either the Fat Cat’s bar menu, or the tea and cake stand manned by the WI. There’ll be something for everyone at this festival, with a family atmosphere guaranteed. Make sure you note the dates in your diary – from April 6-16. A whole array of RIBs of all sizes and types, as well as tenders and inflatable craft plus key products from engines to gear, is to be displayed at this year's event. The show will include sea-trials, demonstrations and public interactive events as well as UIM championship RIB racing. A must for professionals and enthusiasts as well as first time buyers. All information on this year's event, (including travel discounts etc) can be found via ribexhibitions.co.uk or by calling 01884 266100. “But you can afford to slow down, because you have 10 whole days to enjoy this festival!” Island Life - www.islandlifemagazine.net 11