AS WINTER fades and makes way for spring, things are getting busy on the Isle of Wight this weekend — there’s art, chocolate, dancing, and horse racing, plus plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Ventnor Botanical Artists spring exhibition features 15 local artists displaying their work at Quarr Abbey all weekend. The display will be open from 10.30am until 4.30pm and all prints will be for sale alongside a selection of cards and books.
All day today (Saturday) is the March of the Mods event which will see venues across Ryde taken over by live music and DJs. Wrist bands are £10 and all proceeds go to the Teenage Cancer Trust. The Ryde Pavilion, the King Lud, Coburgs and the Black Sheep Bar will be hosting music from 1pm until midnight.
Death by Chocolate is a murder mystery dinner at the YMCA in Shanklin from 6.30pm tonight (Saturday). Tickets are £30 and include a three course meal with all proceeds going to young carers on the Isle of Wight.
Also tonight (Saturday) is the Only Fools and Three Courses gala dinner at the Castle Hotel, Ryde. Tickets are £30 for a three course meal and professional Only Fools and Horse tribute show, followed by a disco.
Tonight (Saturday) at 8pm, multi-instrumentalist Cosmo Sheldrake will be bringing his unique brand of eclectic and improvised music on the Ventnor industrial estate. Tickets are £10. Contact Ventnor Exchange for details.
Travel back in time for a bawdy prohibition era knees-up at the Nightingale Hotel, Shanklin this evening (Saturday) from 7pm until late. The prohibition party will feature live music, burlesque, stand-up, and plenty of bootleg booze. Tickets are £15.
The Apollo Players present the Loves of Cass McGuire at the Apollo Theatre tonight (Saturday) from 7.30pm.
Pupils from the Starlight Boutique will be putting on a show at the Medina Theatre at 6pm tonight.
Tomorrow (Sunday) takes things at a more gentle pace, with an array of special Mother’s Day events across the Island.
Take a ride on the IW steam railway between 12pm and 3pm, including lunch and a free gift of spring flowers.
Alternatively, treat mum to afternoon tea at the Needles Old Battery between 10.30am and 4pm. There will be a specially prepared set menu of cakes, sandwiches, and scones.
Indulge in a roast dinner with a complimentary glass of prosecco at the Ventnor Botanic Garden from 12pm. Includes a garden entry and a free seven day return visit.
It’s also the annual IW Grand National and Ashey Scurry is on Sunday, at West Ashey Farm, from 12pm. Tickets are £5 each, under 14s enter for free.
Finally, closing out the Isle of Wight Music, Dance, and Drama festival is the Sunday Gala at Shanklin Theatre, featuring a selection of performances from throughout the three week run. Tickets are £6 for adults and the show starts at 2pm.