interview
Island Life - April/May 2010
Photo: Debbie
modelling a Biba
outfit in 1967
Since then Debbie has played a key role in
the development of the Festival, and points out
that it is almost totally reliant on sponsorship
but do not try to get involved in other people’s
jobs.”
The Festival may only last three days - this
and costs more than £65,000 to stage. So when
year it takes place on June 4, 5 and 6. But
the IW Council withdrew their sponsorship last
Debbie and her committee members spend the
year, and then announced they were going
best part of 10 months planning the event,
to charge for using their land and hand all
which attracts tens of thousands of visitors
stallholders a licence fee it put the future of the
from the Island and mainland.
Festival in jeopardy.
But Debbie and her fellow committee
The focus this time has been on improving
the evening entertainment. Debbie says
members – all volunteers - are a resilient group.
enthusiastically: “We wanted something
And the show goes on, anticipated to be even
different so on the Friday night we are having
bigger and better thanks to the generous
Rob da Bank.”
backing provided of Wightlink, Yarmouth
Maybe sensing that the Island based Radio
Harbour Commissioners, Southern Vectis and
One DJ and Bestival organiser may not be on
the local police, as well as enthusiastic residents
my radar, she enquires: “Have you heard of
of Yarmouth.
him?”
She said: “The committee members are just
There was relief on her face as I nodded, and
fantastic people. They are devoted volunteers
her next revelation was unveiled with equal
who do an amazing job and are unusual in as
enthusiasm. “On the Saturday night we are
much as they do their own job to perfection,
having Abba and The Beatles tribute bands, so
Photo: Debbie,
Design Director
of Alexon buying
blouses in Hong
Kong
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