2016: Review of the Year

January

The year started in the worst way for many in Cowes, when a huge fire ripped through industrial units at Medina Yard. Cowes Carnival, an historic Dunkirk little ship — used in the evacuation of British troops from France — clothing company Rapanui and many others were left counting the cost of the blaze, which started after a welding spark hit fuel.

Fans on the Isle of Wight, including IW Festival organiser John Giddings, paid tribute to David Bowie, following the star's death.

February

Well-known for our dinosaurs (no, not just the residents!), the Isle of Wight found itself at the centre of a bizarre spotlight in February, when a triceratops appeared in the middle of the road in Godshill.

Fight for the Wight was launched, eventually gaining the backing of more than 10,000 people, including Jeremy Irons, Rob da Bank and former leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett.

Photographer Zoe Barker revealed a hidden side to Osborne House in a new exhibition.

April

Roo the dog, who lost his front legs after he was hit by a train, was rescued and brought to the Isle of Wight, where his new owner launched an appeal to raise money to fit him with a new set of wheels to help him get around.

The Isle of Wight Council was inundated with 7,000 calls in one day after the introduction of a new wheelie bin system. The move sparked a petition signed by thousands of angry Islanders calling for a rethink. Animator Drivel Sieve was determined to prove the bins were roomier than they first appeared.

British astronaut Major Tim Peake shared his incredible view of the Isle of Wight.

The audience at Shanklin Theatre was treated to something a little different, and very romantic, when Mark Kelly proposed to his partner Charlotte Short on stage — she said yes!

Queen + Adam Lambert brought the curtain down on Isle of Wight Festival 2016, a weekend packed with some of the best music in the world.

July

Rocked by her death a month earlier, the Island came together to pay their respects at the funeral of Keziah Flux-Edmunds.

August

The Island said farewell to its only branch of BHS as the High Street giant went bust. It had been bought a year earlier by Dominic Chappell, the former owner of Island Harbour.

The whole Island got behind runner Jess Andrews as she competed in the race of her life at the Rio Olympics. Jess ran a personal best in the 10,000m.

September

The Island hosted its first ever Isle of Wight Day — a celebration of all things IW.

But as one event arrived, another was saying goodbye, as Bestival was held for the final time at Robin Hill. It was announced in December that the event would be heading to Dorset in 2017.

October

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker dropped in on students at Medina College to open the new school library. He found time to sign autographs and shake just a few hands...

There was an outcry after Ryde Arena Ice Rink announced it was to close following a dispute with the landlords.