VISIT Isle of Wight has announced the continued support of Warner Leisure Hotels to ensure the success and encourage the growth of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival.

The festival in 2019 will run from May 4 to May 19 and is one of the most popular festivals of it’s kind in Europe, as well as playing a vital role in bringing visitors to the Island outside of the peak season.

It’s the second year that Warner Leisure Hotels have teamed up with Visit Isle of Wight, which in 2018 saw the event bring thousands of people to the Island.

Matthew Weston, General Manager Bembridge Coast Hotel said: "We are very proud to again sponsor the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. It’s important to Warner and both Norton Grange Coastal Village and Bembridge Coast Hotel to support such events that take place on the Island.

"Showcasing the Island and its gems to guests and locals is what the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is about and we are thrilled to be part of it.”

Ken Younie, Norton Grange Coastal Village, General Manager added: "Our guests enjoy walking on a daily basis and exploring the Island never gets boring.

"Whether guests want to explore our beautiful chalky cliffs or stunning rolling hills, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival has routes that suit all. It’s an exciting event for us and we are both looking forward to welcoming guests to the Island and championing this fantastic festival.”

Abi Fox, Brand Manager at Visit Isle of Wight said: "We’re proud to be able to produce the Isle of Wight Walking Festival for a third year, thanks to sponsorship support from Warner Leisure Hotels.

“The Walking Festival is an important event in the Isle of Wight’s calendar. We have already been contacted by national and international walkers who are keen to join next year’s festival, which is vital to bringing visitors to the Island during the ‘shoulder’ season.

“Thanks to the dedication of the volunteer walk leaders, the 2019 Isle of Wight Walking Festival promises to be another fantastic event.”

Over half of the Island is recognised as an AONB. With its 60-miles of dramatic Heritage Coastline and more than 500-miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths the Island has long been recognised as a walker’s paradise.

Most of the walks are free, although some walk leaders request a donation for their chosen charity.

A series of consultations with Wight BID levy payers, who fund Visit Isle of Wight as a destination management organisation, gave their overwhelming support for the Isle of Wight Walking Festival to continue, recognizing the importance of the event bringing thousands of visitors to the Isle of Wight during the off-peak or ‘shoulder’ season.