This year’s special Isle of Wight Day weekend will be an opportunity for all Islanders to celebrate and offer thanks to the thousands of Islanders who have volunteered their services to the community, as well as remembering those tragically lost.

The events started yesterday (Friday), with a Community Service of Reflection and Remembrance at Newport Minster, to remember the 300 Islanders lost through Covid over the past 16 months.

On a lighter note, one of the big events of the weekend will be the Family Fun Day at Carisbrooke Castle today (Saturday).

From 10am to noon Island volunteers will be welcomed for free, then from noon to 6pm, Island residents can attend for a day of celebrations at the castle.

An IW Day spokesperson said: "Our focus this year is to thank the thousands of volunteers who have supported us through the pandemic.

"There will be live music, bouncy castles, come and meet King Charles I, Build-A-Castle, market traders, food and more.

Remember to take a utility bill and some ID as proof of your Island residency.

King Charles I in front of Carisbrooke Castle. Picture by Chris Cornford.

Also today, from 8am to 4pm there will be Open Air in the Square, St Thomas's Square, Newport, a medieval market including children’s workshops, butter making, market stalls, music and more

Tomorrow (Sunday) is Walk the Wight, which this year forms part of the celebrations and the weekend closes with Songs of Praise, at Cowes Enterprise College, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

The spokesperson said: "Look forward to a spectacular weekend across the Island and don’t forget to once again hang out your bunting!"

Find out all about the bunting here