OnTheWight

Isle of Wight Distillery, home of Mermaid Gin, has been awarded the prestigious International Bubble Cap Award by theAmerican Distilling Institute (ADI). The institute’s highest honour was announced at its 23rd annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference and Expo, which recently took place in Miami, Florida with ADI’s president Erik Owens presenting the award on stage to Isle of Wight Distillery’s co-founder, Xavier Baker.

East Wight Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, has invited the Prime Minister to visit the Island to “hear about Island specific cost-of-living pressures”. The MP’s open letter comes in response to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement that he is undertaking a cost of living tour of the UK where he will be in “listening mode meeting people where they are”.

The Newchurch Male Voice Choir had the pleasure of welcoming and presenting a concert with Tamworth Ladies Choir and the Mercian Singers in Christ Church, Totland. With a large audience the choirs each performed their programme of songs to the enjoyment of the audience.

High bed occupancy leading to delays in care and increased risk to patients and staff is among the concerns in a new healthcare report. An update from the chief executive officer for the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS trusts, Penny Emerit, has been released ahead of a board meeting on Wednesday (26th August 2026).

Independent Arts is pleased to announce news of a significant recent award of funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation to run its innovative arts and science project: Wavelength. What is Wavelength? The project which previously ran from 2020-2023, and was delivered to children from year three to year seven in six Island primary schools, two secondary schools and a pupil referral unit, has received new funding to be run in eight further primary schools throughout 2027 and 2028.

Tickets for the star-studded 2026 Isle of Wight Literary Festival are now on sale. Big names on the bill Leading Broadcaster Clare Balding, ex-Corrie and Carry On star Amanda Barrie, BBC newsreader and journalist Sophie Raworth, top football commentator Clive Tyldesley, chef and activist Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, beloved actress Celia Imrie and ex-EastEnders and Gavin and Stacey star Larry Lamb are at the top of the bill.

A plan to demolish a former Isle of Wight bus depot, paving the way for a ‘comprehensive redevelopment scheme’, has won support from local councillors. Turner Property submitted plans for a demolition of Ventnor Coach Station at 22 Pier Street in Ventnor town centre, including site clearance and erecting a new two-metre-high painted plywood hoarding.

The St Helens Historical Society opens its summer exhibition at the St Helens Community Centre on bank holiday Monday 31st August. Doors open at 11am and stay open until 4pm. Admission is free. The society has pulled together photographs and archive material covering the Duver and the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Course, along with records of village families and old school registers, and says there is more besides on the tables. Cash only on the day A raffle runs alongside the exhibition.

Families are invited to enjoy a full day of free entertainment and activities in Ryde on Saturday 29th August, as the town hosts its Children’s Day Carnival. A full day of free activities With a packed programme taking place throughout the day, children and families can enjoy carnival crafts, costume-making, drumming, dancing, storytelling, a scavenger hunt, a carnival parade and a magic show. Children are encouraged to dress up in their favourite carnival costumes and join in the celebrations.

More than a 100 jobs are set to be created from approved plans to expand a window and door manufacturer’s operations near the Isle of Wight’s county town. Joedan Windows has been granted planning permission to extend an existing commercial building and construct a new one at the former Snows site on Forest Road, outside Newport. Growth across three Island sites The company announced the purchase of the building at the beginning of this year.