Isle of Wight's Sandown Regatta back with a bang

With a busy street market, family entertainment, beach games and an evening fireworks display, the town’s holiday crowds were treated to a full day of regatta fun on the Esplanade for the first time in three years.

Organised by Sandown Carnival for the first time, the regatta partnered with IW community organisation, Market Days, to put on the street market.

They also brought in the Horse Box Theatre Company, magician David Randini, and David Major’s Punch and Judy show to offer entertainment throughout the day.

High Sheriff Kay Marriott with regatta performer Joe Plumb of the Horse Box Theatre Company. Picture: Sandown Carnival.

Flags along the seafront were provided by Shademakers UK.

Organisers now hope to build on the event, so it once again becomes an annual celebration of Sandown and the bay.

Tug of war in the regatta beach arena. Picture: Sandown Carnival.

Sandown Carnival chair, Paul Coueslant, said: “It’s both a challenge and a massive opportunity to take on Sandown Bay Regatta ­— an event with heritage going back to 1857.

The busy Sandown Esplanade street market . Picture: Sandown Carnival.

“We feel our first stab at it turned out to be a big success, with a busier beach and seafront than many can remember for a long time.

“The task now is to build on the good things for next year, so the regatta becomes a fixture in the Island’s summer calendar once more.

Gary Smith and Terry Goodwin of the Royal Marines Association.

“As a non-profit community group, we really do depend on the generosity of the public to stage our events and make them bigger and better each year.

“As always, we remind everyone how easy it is to make even a small donation to us online at www.sandowncarnival.com/donate, or by dropping in to our shop at 77a High Street.”

Racing off the beach by Shanklin Sailing Club. Picture: Sandown Carnival.