FORGET Brexit, the ongoing ferry problems and the post-Christmas gloom for a moment — 2019 is looking like it could be a good one for the Isle of Wight.

The County Press team has been looking ahead and has come up with 19 things to look forward to in 2019.

So, get your diaries out, get your tickets booked and get ready for what's in store.

1. Although there have been no acts announced for the forthcoming Isle of Wight Festival yet, that doesn't mean we can't get excited. Anticipation is in the air, early bird tickets have sold out, and rumours of an appearance by the Spice Girls and/or The Eagles have already whetted the appetite for the Island's biggest annual event. June 13 to 16.

2. Dick and Dom, TV legends to anyone under the age of about 35, are bringing something new to the IW. The Great Wonderfest promises a mix of family entertainment, music, magic and fun. A spokesperson for the event said: "Programmed from the brains of these creators of chaos, expect their big black book of TV chums and favourite acts to be unleashed into fields of wonder."

There will be four days of entertainment plus camping options. August 1 to 4.

3. Every two years, thousands of athletes from Islands across the globe come together to compete in the NatWest International Island Games. This year it is being held in Gibraltar and an team from the Isle of Wight will be taking part, hopefully swimming, shooting, sprinting and swinging their way to victory. From target and endurance events to team sports such as sailing, basketball and beach volleyball, the Island Games holds competitions in a diverse range of sports and is open to competitors as young as 13. You can follow the action via the County Press. July 6 to 12.

4. Wight Aviation Museum. A new attraction for the IW should be set to open soon at the IW Airport, where a hangar is being lovingly turned into a collection showing the extensive and rich history of aviation on the Island. The museum will recognise the fusion of marine and aviation skills that led to the building of 600 aircraft on the Island during the First World War, illustrate the intense War in the Air over the Island during the Battle of Britain. It will also show the diversity of aerospace skills through showcasing a replica Black Arrow Rocket and bringing people up to date with the current work being done by aerospace companies based on the Island.

5. There is a feast of amateur dramatics in store. Ventnor Theatre Group has secured the rights to perform Jesus Christ Superstar in April/May, while the Island Savoyards are kicking off their shows with My Fair Lady. There's also a panto coming up, with Wight Strollers putting on Robin Hood in the February half-term.

6. It's renowned as one of the toughest marathons you can do. Will you be up for the challenge of the IW Marathon this year? The 63rd IW Marathon takes place on October 6, so there's plenty of time to get prepared.

7. Jack Up the Summer is the new name for Jack Up the 80s, the popular retro festival. This year it is being re-located to North Fairlee Farm and takes place on August 10 and 11. Artists are to be announced in the coming weeks.

8. The National Poo Museum is coming soon, and will be opening at Sandown's Battery Gardens. For all things smelly, and lots of innuendo, follow the museum on Facebook and hopefully there will be news soon on when the museum will be opening its doors.

9. Cowes Week. Despite the news that the iconic Red Arrows can't fly over this year, as they will be Stateside, there is still plenty to look forward to at Cowes Week, not least the actual sailing. Taking place from August 10 to 17, expect the usual social events, celebs and shoreside entertainment as well as the racing.

10. Ventnor Fringe has moved its dates so it no longer clashes with Edinburgh Fringe and Cowes Week. The fringe is ten years old in 2019 so we look forward to celebrating in its various pop up venues and bars in every conceivable space, at more than 100 different shows. July 23 to 28.

11. The behemoth that is Chale Show has the added extra of being a massive horticultural show too, so it is time to get crafty, plant those seeds, and perfect your Victorian sponge recipe. August 3 and 4.

12. IW Pride has firmly established itself as fixture in the IW's calendar and plans are already afoot for a sprinkling of rainbow colour for this celebration of the vibrant LGBTQ community. More details will be coming soon, but the date is July 20.

13. Walk the Wight is another must for thousands of us. The iconic walk is great for a personal challenge, a photo opportunity and, most importantly, the chance to support Mountbatten and raise money for the charity. It has raised a staggering £4 million since its inception. Registration opens this month and the walk is on Sunday, May 12.

14. Some big names are scheduled to perform at Shanklin Theatre this year, including Jimmy Cricket, Collabro, Elkie Brooks, Julian Clary, Henning Wehn, Al Murray and Jimmy Carr. Don't delay, as some shows are already virtually sold out.

15. It seems to get bigger and more colourful every year, so don't forget the Mardi Gras. Held in Ryde every last Saturday in June, it is the New Carnival Company's flagship event and showcases the very best of children and young people’s carnival experience through learning, creating and performance. Saturday, June 29. Also look out for Ryde Carnival, the oldest in the country, which is on August 29.

16. It is quite the spectacle, so make sure you head to Osborne Horse Trials this year. The competition at Osborne is a much shorter and fast-paced competition compared to traditional horse trials, including dressage, showjumping and cross country. Excellent viewing is offered in many places, but those on the terraces will enjoy a birds-eye view of all the action. July 23 and 24.

17. Get your cameras at the ready, whether you are participating or just gawping from the shoreline — it's the Round the Island Race on Saturday, June 29. The race regularly attracts over 1,400 boats and around 15,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world.

18. Open Studios. The Island is home to lots of talent and many artists work from interesting workshops, some from home. This annual event gives you a chance to see the very places where the magic happens, and you get to chat to the artists too. July 12 to 22.

19. The last piece in the puzzle of what to do in 2019 is the Jigsaw Festival. This delightful festival draws crowds from around the world and involves a community of volunteers who spend hundreds of hours building the exhibits, year on year. Takes place at St James Church, East Cowes, during the second week of August. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out, as it is a sight to behold.