Our Dates for your Diary section is packed full of local events happening across the Island over the next few weeks. This
includes not only special events occurring throughout the month and Christmas period but also
regular weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly community activities that you can
participate in or even become a member of a recurring club.
Friday 28th November – Christmas Fair at Colwell Common from 1.45 – 6pm. Marquee entertainment all afternoon including, stalls, seasonal produce, Christmas gifts, food and drink, Carols around the firepit. Brought to you by Totland Parish Council. 10p entrance to Men in Sheds
Saturday 29th November – Newport Craft Market is at Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, 64 High Street, Newport from 10am – 4pm. Free entry, any donations to Newport Carnival. A great range of stalls.
Saturday 29th November – The Wartime Christmas at Colwell Baptist Church, Colwell Road, Freshwater, PO40 9NB at 2.30pm. A presentation talk about Wartime Christmas and people were determined to celebrate. The event is being held as a fund raiser for two of our younger members of the Church who have been given an amazing opportunity to go with their school to work on a community project in one of the poorest regions of Peru. The event is free to attend; donations to the Peruvian trip are appreciated but not compulsory.
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November – Monkey Haven Christmas Fayre, Staplers Road, Newport from 10am – 3.30pm. Tickets £5 minimum donation per person and includes admission to see the animals. There will be local craft stalls, pet photography portraits, raffle, tearoom open for festive treats. For tickets call 01983 530885 or email hello@monkeyhaven.org
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November – Northwood House Christmas Fair. After a huge success in 2024, the Northwood Christmas Fair returns. The fair will again feature a selection of some of the best local gift exhibitors in art, craft and produce the Isle of Wight has to offer. It’s the perfect inspiration for unique and one-off present buying for friends and loved ones. Free entry. Northwood House & Park, Ward Avenue, Cowes.
Saturday 29th November – Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at The Old School Centre, New Road, Wootton PO33 4HX from 11am – 4pm. No booking required. Just turn up. Donations only - £5 minimum suggestion to cover costs. Hoops, Foliage & Decoration material supplied and shared but please bring any greenery and material that you wish to use. German market refreshments available.
DECEMBER
Monday 1st December – Music Quiz Night at the Prince of Wales, East Cowes from 7pm. Book your team on 01983 292843
Tuesday 2nd December – Christmas Coffee Morning at Yarmouth Community Hall, St James St, Yarmouth from 10.30am – 1pm. Tea, coffee, homemade cakes, Mince pies, Books, Bring & buy stall , Christmas stall, Christmas cakes. We will be entertained by the children from Freshwater & Yarmouth school & the West Wight Ukulele group .
Tuesday 2nd – Saturday 20th December – Merry Monkton Christmas Market. Art & Craft Stall by Local Artists at Monkton arts, 11 East Street, Ryde
Thursday 4th December – Bembridge Christmas Craft Market at Bembridge Village Hall from 10am – 4pm. A host of Island makers with unique handcrafted items. Be sure to pop in to see what's on offer.
Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th December – Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. Over 150 trees across 8 venues. Refreshments, musical entertainment, meet Father Christmas, Charity Tractor Drive ‘ride out’, craft stalls, forest and nature talks, raffle, mini market, competitions and much more. Open daily from 10am – 5pm. Free entry. For more information go to www.brighstonechristmastree.com
Thursday 4th December – The Island Concert Band Christmas Treats at Bembridge Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Free entry, raffle, refreshments and retiring collection.
Friday 5th December – Coffee Morning at Northwood Cemetery between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. This month’s theme is “Christmas Tombola”. Hot and cold drinks and biscuits are available free of charge. Everyone welcome – just come through the cemetery gates and you will be given a warm welcome. Hosted by Friends of Northwood Cemetery.
Friday 5th December – Merry & Bright Festival of Light in Ryde Town from 5 – 8pm. Late night shopping, entertainment, music, craft market, illuminations activities and much more. Lantern parade 6 – 7pm. Free event and fun for all the family.
Friday 5th December – Medina Marching Band Presents A Not So Silent Night Concert Vol. 4 at Christ the King College, Wellington Road, Newport, PO30 5QT at 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Buy tickets via website www.medinamarchingband.co.uk, email medinamarchingband@gmail.com by calling 07837 792 518 or on the door.
Friday 5th – Wednesday 10th December – A Celebration of Christmas Trees at All Saints Church, Freshwater between 10am and 4pm. Beautiful community trees on display for everyone to come and visit. The Church Café will be open for refreshments and a table top sale of gifts, crafts, cakes and puds. No charge for entry but donations welcome.
Saturday 6th December – Shanklin Theatre Festive coffee, Cake and Chat morning from 10am – midday. Festive refreshments, Carol singers, Christmas card, Christmas hamper raffle and a visitor from Lapland.
Saturday 6th December – Step into Christmas at Scarrots Lane, Newport from 10am – 4.30pm. Festive Craft Village, Father Christmas, food stands, lots of entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Saturday 6th December – Pre-loved Clothing Sale at Isle of Wight Foodbank, Love lane, Cowes at 10am. A wide selection of good quality pre-loved clothing at reasonable prices. Tea, cake and tombola.
Saturday 6th December - St Nicholas Day. Holy Cross Church, Binstead, P033 3SY - 10am – 4pm. Free Entrance to see the Display of a variety of Nativity Scenes, some as small as a match box others full size. Seasonal Refreshments, Win a Christmas Hamper, Bottle Stall, Book Stall, Lucky Dip, Handmade Christmas Cards, Tombola.
Saturday 6th December – Newport Carnival Christmas Parade from 5pm. Starting at Church Litten and featuring bands, floats, lanterns, walking and dance groups, young farmers, modern and vintage vehicles and much more. For more information and route map go to www.newportcarnival.com
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December - Enjoy a weekend of Christmas fun with market stalls, music, mulled wine and artisan Isle of Wight crafters and makers at The Garlic Farm. Perfect for finding those one-of-a-kind Christmas presents. Brought to you by I Love Wight
Sunday 7th December – Kids Christmas Party at the isle of Wight Community Club, Parl Road, Cowes from 3pm – 5pm. Pop in to the bar or give a call on 01983 292238 to book your child. £5 per child which includes food and a special gift from Santa.
Monday 8th December - Play Mah Jong at the Porter Club, Lake, PO36 9LE, 1.30 start. Beginners welcome. Bus routes 2, 3 and 8, own car park. Drinks, tea, coffee available.
Tuesday 9th December – Christmas Coffee Morning at St James Church, Church Path, East Cowes. From 10am in the Church Hall
Wednesday 10th December - Digi Drop-In event at St Helens Community Centre from 10 am -12 noon. Having technical difficulties? Bring your phone, laptop, iPad or tablet along to our free event. Our tech volunteers will be there to help. Refreshments provided. Donations welcome!
Thursday 11th December – Christmas Fair at the Independent Support Centre, Bernard Way, Newport, PO30 5YL in aid of the Learning Disability Support Group. Games, refreshments, plants, handmade Christmas gifts, raffle, tombola, cakes and more. From 11am – 2pm.
Thursday 11th December - Folk Night at the Porter Club, Lake, PO36 9LE. Enjoy an evening of music from our enthusiastic performers. Bring a song or just listen. Free entry. Starts 7.30.
Thursday 11th December – Late Night Christmas Shopping at Holliers Park, Branstone, PO36 0AF from 4pm – 8pm.
Saturday 13th December – Newport Craft Market is at Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, 64 High Street, Newport from 10am – 4pm. Free entry, any donations to Newport Carnival. A great range of stalls.
Saturday 13th December – Yarmouth Christmas Craft Market at Community Hall of Yarmouth & District, St James Street, Yarmouth from 2pm – 8pm.
Saturday 13th December – Christmas Market at St Catherine’s Church, Church Street, Ventnor. Christmas stalls, meet Spiderman and Elsa, free treasure hunt, refreshments, raffle, live music and much more. From 10.30am – 4pm. In aid of St Catherine’s School.
Saturday 13th December – Sandown Christmas Funday from 10.30am – 3.30pm. A day packed with entertainment, music, performers, kids fun, raffle, stalls and much more.
Saturday 13th December – Shanklin Town Brass Band Christmas Concert at Shanklin United Reformed Church at 7.30pm
Saturday 13th December - Ventnor Lantern Parade & Carnival is an annual tradition on the Isle of Wight, bringing the community together to celebrate the festive season. This family-friendly celebration invites the community to come together and enjoy an evening of creativity, music, and light. Participants are encouraged to craft their own lanterns and join the procession, which winds through Ventnor, creating a magical atmosphere as the lanterns illuminate the streets. For full details, visit ventnorcarnival.org.
Sunday 14th December – Yarmouth Christmas Craft Market at Community Hall of Yarmouth & District, St James Street, Yarmouth from 10am – 2pm.
Sunday 14th December – Christmas Sparkle. A Christmas Service for those who don’t usually do church! And those who do! At the Bay High School, Sandown. Hosted by Altitude Church from 10.20am
Sunday 14th December – Santa at the Gate, brought to you by the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat. Come along to The Gate at Freshwater Bay between 11am – 3pm. Meet Santa, free present for every child, free mince pie. Grand raffle for Santa’s Hamper.
Monday 15th December – Christmas Quiz Night at the Prince of Wales, East Cowes at 8pm. Book your team on 01983 292843
Wednesday 17th December – Carol Service at Carisbrooke Priory, 39 Whitcombe Road, Newport at 7pm. Refreshments to follow in the Priory tea Room.
Thursday 18th December – Mountbatten Quiz Night at John Cheverton, Halberry Lane, Newport. 6.45pm – 10pm. Starts at 7pm prompt. No subjects barred, so we'll have pictures, sounds, puzzles, and all the usual. The cafe will be open for cake! Parking is free! £3 per person, 4 to a team. To book a table email Carl at quizmaster@email.com
Thursday 18th December – Bembridge Christmas Craft Market at Bembridge Village Hall from 10am – 4pm. A host of Island makers with unique handcrafted items. Be sure to pop in to see what's on offer.
Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st December - St. Mildred's Christmas Tree Festival. Open 11 until 3pm Thursday to Saturday and Sunday 1pm until 3pm followed by a Carol Service. The café will be open during these times. It’s free entry and any donations going to East Cowes Food Pantry and The Salvation Army
Saturday 20th December – Christmas Market at The Duke of York, Mill Hill Road, Cowes from 12pm. Live music, local stalls, mulled wine and hot food, Santa’s grotto, falling snow and much more. Free entry.
Sunday 21st December - Christmas at Quay Folk Club, Quay Arts Centre, Newport with The Festive Folkies and friends. Doors open at 6.30 pm for the music to start at 7. Free Entry - drop a donation into the fez.
Monday 22nd December – Santa’s Christmas Fayre at Arreton Barns from 10am -4pm. Wrap up your Christmas shopping and enjoy a magical day filled with festive food and live music.
Wednesday 24th December – Christmas Holy Communion at St James Church, Church Path, East Cowes at 7pm. Everyone welcome
Regular events
Every Monday - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at Christ Church, Broadway, Sandown PO36 9ET from 11am - 1pm. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Every Monday – Free drop in and chat support sessions and activities for anyone of any age and in any circumstance. Our Place West Wight is at Christ Church, Alum Bay New Road, Totland, PO39 0ES from 2pm – 3.30pm. Meet other members of your community for hot drinks, cake and a chat.
Every Monday – Chat and Craft. Come along with your favourite craft or unfinished project. Learn something new and get help and inspiration or just share your skills. Held from 2-4pm at Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes, PO31 7NP. Open to everyone and all ages. Entry £2 which includes tea/coffee. For more information call Wendy on 07584600053
Every Monday - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding a C.A.M.E.O. Together session at Church Close Community Centre, Church Close, Wootton PO33 4QD from 2pm – 4pm. These sessions are free to attend, and you can meet your neighbours over a cuppa, play a board game and get face to face support from a range of guest organisations. We also have a Take 1 Leave 1 rail with free winter clothing and a Little Free Library outside where you can help yourself to books and jigsaws or leave them for someone else to enjoy. Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
First Monday of the month - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at Seely Hall in Brook from 10:30am – 12noon. Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Third Monday of each month – Diabetes Group Isle of Wight Bembridge & St Helens Drop in at The Cloisters, 36 High Street, Bembridge, PO35 5SE from 1 – 3pm. Call 07415 399102 for further information
Every Tuesday - The Buzzy Bean Café, Old School Centre, Wootton from 11am – 3pm. There will be free coffee and cake as well as offering low-cost lunches, a warm space and companionship. There will also be activity afternoons with quizzes, board games and bingo
Every Tuesday – A welcoming space for everyone in West Wight. Looking for a place to connect, relax and access support? Come along to a free community drop in session at West Wight Sports & Community Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Chat and Support, fun activities, free bread and cakes and support from local groups.
Every Tuesday – Coffee Morning at Yarmouth Community Hall, St James St, Yarmouth from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Tea, coffee, homemade cake, book stall. Everyone welcome
Every Tuesday - The West Wight Ukulele group practise at Yarmouth Community Hall from 11am to 12. noon. New comers & learners welcome.
Every Tuesday – Walk & Talk Group meet at Sandown Pier at 10.15am for a 10.30am start for a gentle, flat stroll with a stop halfway for refreshments. Organised by The Living Well & Early Help Service Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Every Tuesday - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at Ryde Library, 101 George Street, Ryde PO33 2JE from 10am – 12noon. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Third Tuesday of each month – Diabetes Group Isle of Wight Newport Drop in at St Thomas’ Church Hall, 69b High Street, PO30 1BA (opposite the Castle Inn) from 1 – 3pm. Call 07415 399102 for further information
Third Tuesday of the month - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at Our Place, West Wight Sports Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater PO40 9XH from 10:30am - 12.30pm. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Fourth Tuesday of the month – Craft Group at St Peters Church, Main Road, Shorwell, PO30 3JL held by The Living Well & Early Help Service from 2pm – 4pm. Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Every Wednesday and Friday - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding a CAMEO Community Café and static Pantry at the Sandown Elim Pentecostal Church, 47 Fort Street, Sandown PO36 8BA from 10:30am – 12:30pm. Come along for a cuppa and access free advice, guidance and support. Pay £5 to use the Pantry and receive around £15 worth of food. Everyone is welcome. Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Every Wednesday - Social Bridge at West Wight Sports & Community Centre. From 2pm to 4pm. Turn up and play for £2. Participants are learners, intermediate and experienced who play non-competitively.
Every Wednesday - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding a Community Cafe at The Broadway Centre, Broadway, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9GG from 2pm-4pm. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
First and Third Wednesday - The Living Well & Early Help Service will hold an Info Point & Coffee, Bowls & Banter group at Shanklin United Reformed Church, High Street, Shanklin PO37 6LA from 11am - 1pm. Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Second Wednesday of each month – Diabetes Group Isle of Wight West Wight Drop in at Freshwater Methodist Church, 2 Brookside, PO40 9AN from 2 – 4pm. Call 07415 399102 for further information
Second Wednesday of the month - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at the Pyle Street Pantry, Newport Congregational Church, Newport PO30 1UH from 11am - 1pm. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Third Wednesday of every other month - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at the Veterans Outreach Support session, Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport PO30 2QR from 11am – 1pm. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Fourth Wednesday of each month – Diabetes Group Isle of Wight Gurnard Drop in at All Saints Church Hall, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard, PO31 8JA from 10am – 12pm. Call 07415 399102 for further information
Every Thursday - Friendly Cribbage group meet at The Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes – 6.30pm. Come along and enjoy an evening playing cards and make new friends in the process. If you don’t already play, just give Wendy a ring on 07584600053 and she will arrange some beginner’s lessons to get you started. Entry is just £1.00 first session is free.
Every Thursday - M&M's Toddler Group meet ( Term Time only) at Northwood Cricket Club, Park Road, Cowes from 9.15 to 11.15 - £2 per family. Children from babies to preschool ages welcomed with carers, parents and grandparents.
First Thursday of every month – Applegate Breast Cancer Support Group meet at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR from 10am -12pm. A different topic is introduced at each meeting to help patients understand and manage their cancer. Support from health professional, therapists and speakers. Let’s talk about Breast Cancer.
Second Thursday of the Month – Diabetes Support Group meet at Parkside Pavilion, Vectis Road, East Cowes from 1.30 – 3.30pm. Come along for a chat and cuppa!
Every Friday - The Community Cuppa. Come along for companionship, games, coffee, tea and biscuits between 9.30am – 12pm at 11 St Thomas Square (the old NatWest), Ryde. Free event
Every Friday - Freshwater Market from 8.30am-12noon at the Memorial Hall. Homemade cakes, plants, books, jewellery, fresh eggs, original artwork, crafts, bric-a-brac, café, handcrafted liqueurs and much more.
Third Thursday of the Month and bi-monthly - The Living Well & Early Help Service will hold an Info Point at East Cowes Methodist Church, 98 Adelaide Grove, East Cowes PO32 6DD, from 10am-12noon. Please call if you would like more details. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Fourth Friday of the month, bi-monthly - The Living Well & Early Help Service will be holding an Info Point at Newport Minster, St Thomas' Square, Newport PO30 1SL, from 10:30am – 12noon. Please drop in if you need any information, guidance or support. 01983 240 732 / lweh.org.uk
Fourth Saturday of each month – Diabetes Group Isle of Wight Wootton Drop in at Church Close Community Centre, Church Close, Wootton, PO33 4QD from 10am – 12pm. Call 07415 399102 for further information
Last Saturday of every month - Havenstreet Monthly Market at The Community Centre, Main Road, Havenstreet. Variety of stalls including crafts, books, vegetables, meat, eggs and plants. Tea, coffee and cake available. From 10am-12 pm. In aid of St. Peter’s Church Havenstreet. For more information including stalls which are very reasonable prices please contact Tel: 07866 598843