Islanders made it an Isle of Wight Day to remember forever

The Islanders who decked their homes and businesses in bunting for the first Isle of Wight Day were rewarded at the launch for the 2017 event.
Winners of the best dressed house or business and best dressed town or village in 2016 were announced by the president of the Island’s Chamber of Commerce, Geoff Underwood.
Winners of the best home were former landscape gardener, Mervyn Stevens, and his partner, Ljiljana Oliver, of Hatherton Road, Shanklin.
Mervyn said: "It was quite simple to do as I was a landscape gardener. Years ago, everyone used to decorate their houses for carnival."
Winner of the best town or village was Niton. Chairman of Niton and Whitwell Parish Council, Jon Boileau Goad, said: "I am delighted Niton won. Lots of people in the village decorated their houses. There were so many, we had to go and get more and more bunting all the time. This year, we aim to do even better."
And Ryde mayor, Cllr Henry Adams, pledged to do the Island proud when it was announced the People’s Parade would be held in the town this September.
Cllr Adams said: "It is an honour to be chosen to have the event in Ryde. I don’t think Ryde will let the IW down and I think people on the Island in general will put their backs into it and make it a great success."
Island’s High Sheriff, Robin Courage, announced 100 miles of IW Day bunting had been supplied by ferry companies, Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel, which would be handed out for free to Islanders.
He also said a website and social media presence was being created for IW Day.