Days out
Return of the Gaffers
After a one year gap, the popular Yarmouth Gaffers Festival is set
to return with even more fun and excitement over the first weekend
in June. Now in its 20th year, the Festival has grown into one of the
biggest events on the Isle of Wight Calendar.
Run by a dedicated group of unpaid
volunteers who work tirelessly
throughout the year, the festival
attracts thousands of visitors and
Islanders, who flock to Yarmouth to
view the spectacle of the magnificent
Gaff rigged boats as they compete
with each other across the Solent.
Meanwhile, on-shore, the streets
will be packed with continental stalls
selling crafts and wares from around
the world as well as the local farmers’
market. This year will also feature a
new Pavilion on the Green, definitely
a must-visit.
Everything is free until 6.30 each
evening when a ticket is required
for two star-packed evenings of
entertainment in the main marquee
on the Quay.
The Friday Spectacular will feature
two new Island bands, Nakamarra
and Lucid, whilst Star Tribute will sing
favourites from the 60s to the 80s.
A stunning evening of Rock and
Roll is planned for the Saturday, with
the incredible 11-piece band the
Regular Joes starring Miss Annie, and
supported by the popular Company
B-UK. A special appearance by
Rule the World (Take That Tribute
Band) will complete the evening’s
entertainment.
The Character Inns Bar on the Quay
will provide a new real ales Festival
as well as providing a Pimms and
Prosecco Bar.
This year’s programme will also
include special attractions for the
children, with a new funfair area
packed with delights including a
huge slide, trampolines and much
more, plus the unbelievable Titan the
robot who will be performing in the
square on Saturday.
When it comes to ‘big boys toys’,
there will be the the biggest vintage
and veteran Classic Car Display on
the Island along with a collection of
gigantic Steam Engines.
The Gaffers Festival has paid tribute
to the generousity and sponsorship
of Wightlink, Visit the Wight and the
Harbour Commissioners as well as
The Town Council, The Town Trust,
Warners Watermark and Southern
Vectis, without whom they say this
wonderful event could not go ahead.
www.visitilife.com
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