?THE Old Gaffers Festival will return to Yarmouth in June after Visit Isle of Wight and Wightlink stepped up as sponsors.

They have agreed to provide funding for the three-day event, now held every two years rather than annually, which costs £90,000 to run.

Festival chair Debbie Cotton said: "While this support is welcome, and makes me confident the festival will go ahead, we still need more funding from local businesses who benefit to meet all our costs and volunteers to help over the weekend.

"The Festival is unique in that it is run by volunteers and there is free entertainment throughout the day, ideal for families."

In addition to the main event — the spectacle of the Old Gaffers — there will be stalls, a market, beer tent and street entertainment.

Wightlink's commercial director, Clive Tilley, said: "The Old Gaffers Festival is a much loved event. We are delighted to link up with our colleagues at Visit IW to support the organisers and make sure the three-day programme of sailing goes ahead."

The event has been a regular feature for 20 years attracting thousands into the town over the weekend.
It will take pace between June 2 and 4.

David Thornton, CEO, Visit Isle of Wight said: "The organisers behind the 2017 Gaffers festival presented us 
with a compelling and convincing case for supporting the event for the wider West Wight Tourism economy. 

The event attracts thousands of mainland visitors who also spend money in our local shops, restaurants, attractions and many stay overnight in local accommodation. 

"Visit Isle of Wight is committed to working with large scale events like the Old Gaffers Festival which have a promise of bringing new visitors to the Island in the future."