Island Life Magazine Ltd December/January 2018 | Page 8

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Spirit of the Orient
Christmas Lights tour
Southern Vectis is once again running
their open top bus tour to see the very
best of the Isle of Wights illuminated
properties.
Now in their 17th year, the tours have
already started, but are running al l the
way up to the 23rd December, leaving
from Newport Bus Station on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and
from Ryde Bus Station on the remaining
days, Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.
The bus drivers get into the festive
spirit by decorating the buses with
tinsel, playing carols and dressing up in
Santa suits.
The tour lasts around 3 hours and
includes goodie bags and free travel
giveaways. Contact Southern Vectis for
more details.
Capturing the spirit of the Chinese New Year,
visitors to Robin Hill’s award-winning electric
woods event, Spirit of the Orient, can experience
a stunning spectacle of Oriental themed light,
sound and entertainment set in the park’s ancient
woodland.
Taking place on Saturday February 10th, 6 - 10pm,
the event will feature a dazzling array of coloured
lanterns, flags and features lighting up the dark
skies with a glorious cascade of colour.
There will be storytelling of traditional Chinese
tales, a procession with a 12ft long dragon and an
authentic performance of a traditional lion dance.
Food will be served, both an oriental menu and
the toasting of marshmallows on a brazier. For
more details visit www.electricwoods.co.uk or call
01983 527352.
Boxing Day special
Lecture at Carisbrooke
Carisbrooke Castle is hosting a talk on
the Isle of Wight Home Guard between
1940 - 1944 by Steven Williams, with an
opportunity to see relevant items from
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the museum collections.
Taking place on Tuesday 23rd January
from 2 - 4pm, tickets are £8 and include
tea, coffee and biscuits.
After the indulgence of Christmas Day, visit the IW
steam Railway and settle back in the warm and
comfortable Victorian and Edwardian carriages to
enjoy a steam train journey through the Island’s
unspoilt winter landscape on Boxing Day.
And if you wish to walk off the Christmas
Pud, hop off at Ashey or Wootton for a stroll
in the countryside. You can also visit the
Winter Wonderland and all travellers receive a
complimentary mince pie. Admission to the Haven
Falconry Bird of Prey centre is included in the ticket
price. Call 01983 882204 for more information.