What's On in Isle of Wight

Brading Station Visitors Centre
Brading Station Visitor Centre, Signal Box and Railway Heritage Exhibition open 7 days week from 10am until 4pm as from 28th April 2012 until the end of September.(Unfortunately can only list for 60 days in advance). The Signal Box has now been restored to the 1950`s era and you can take a guided tour to the Box on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays any time during opening hours. The Railway heritage Exhibition has gathered many more exhibits over the winter and is well worth a visit. Railway Books and gifts are available in the shop along with refreshments. Lunches can be provided to eat at the Centre or packed for you to take on a walk but two days notice is required please. Tel 01983 401222. We look forward to seeing you. more
Free Admission - 7 days a week from 10:00 am - 4:00pm daily Signal Box, tours available Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday anytime during opening hours Station Telephone 01983 401222 Accessible by road or rail.

Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) Old Gaffers Festival
Three days of free family entertainment in and around the picturesque town and harbour of Yarmouth. Around 100 visiting old Gaffed rigged vessels come from around the country filling the harbour, creating a wonderful spectacle. Some race in The Solent on Saturday. Other attractions include a variety of music, street entertainers, food stalls, art and craft marquee, veteran and classic vehicles, flower festival, children’s fun fair, Air and Sea Rescue demonstration real ale bar and lots more. Dancing in the marquee on The Quay on Friday and Saturday evenings. (Tickets required). more
Friday 25th May Grand opening 12 noon Live Music ends 23. 45 hrs Saturday 26th May 9.00 hrs until 23.45 hrs Sunday 27th May 9.00 hrs until 17.30 hrs

One-on-One Wildlife Encounters
New for 2012 - ONE-ON-ONE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS for adults and/or children Due to requests from our discerning guests we are very pleased to be able to offer personal one-on-one encounters with Penguins or Meerkats - or a Combo Encounter where you can spend close-up time with both! Individual Encounters last approximately half an hour, Combo Encounters approximately one hour. Guided by an experienced Keeper, you’ll go behind the scenes, help to feed your chosen animals and spend special time inside the enclosure – up close and personal! Photos will be taken and are included on a DVD as a memento of your special Wildlife Encounter. more
Daily 1st April – 4 November 2012 (excluding Bank Holidays) Sessions:11.00am (Penguins), 12.00pm (Meerkats) and 3.00pm (Penguins) Individual Encounters £30 for one or £50 for two Combo Encounters £60 for one or £100 for two Includes entrance to Park Advance booking essential - 01983 612153

Junior Wildlife Experience
Ages: 6 – 15 years (inclusive) Duration: Two hours - 10.15am - 12.15pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm 1 April - 4 November 2012 - Daily - excluding bank holidays A truly wonderful, bespoke, hands-on wildlife experience! Exclusive VIP tour for younger animal enthusiasts! Guided by a senior member of the Animal Care Team, this is a chance for young people to get behind the scenes and really close-up with Penguins (including personal time feeding Dippy and his pals!), as well as feeding and interacting with Pelicans, Meerkats, Wallabies, Miniature Pigs and other animals of choice (such as bugs and reptiles if you dare!) An opportunity not to be missed! Slice of home-baked cake, soft drinks, tea/coffee included. FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION: email – info@seaviewwildlife.com or phone 01983 612153 more
10.15am - 12.15pm Daily - EXCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS Cost: £60 per child - maximum 3 children (under 12’s to be accompanied by adult whose admission is free, any additional adults admission at special voucher rate). To check availability: info@seaviewwildlife.com Free parking. Disabled access

Badminton - Open Garden for NGS
One-acre garden on sheltered S- and W-facing site with good vistas. Planted for all-yr interest with many different shrubs, trees and perennials to give variety, structure and colour. Natural stream and pond being developed alongside kitchen garden. Open:Sun 27 May (2-5). more
Admission £3, Children free. Times:2-5. Telephone:01983 526143. Open for charity.

Exhibition of art by Alison Ritchie
Alison trained as a natural history illustrator and has exhibited her popular work previously at the Old Town Hall. more
2 - 5pm (last entry 4.45pm). Normal admission charges apply (National Trust members free).

Visions & Dimensions - art and ceramics exhibition by Jeanne Mills-Holland and Andrew Dowden
Jeanne Mills-Holland’s watercolour and oil paintings for this exhibition have been influenced primarily by her fascination with water and her love of sailing, incorporating local impressions of the shoreline and boats around Wootton. Andrew Dowden’s distinctive handmade and hand-carved contemporary ceramic forms and wall panels are inspired by countryside and shores around the Island; tracks made by man and nature leaving their imprint on the earth. More recently, influences from archaeology, architecture and machinery have been incorporated into his designs. Ample free parking, Tearooms, Farm shop, Disabled access, WCs, Access to local walks - Access to Abbey and grounds free Please note: Details correct at time of posting but may be subject to change. more
Visions & Dimensions Thursday, 31 May to to Tuesday 5 June - 10 am to 5 pm Exhibition preview: Wednesday 30 May - 6-8 pm - All Welcome Admission Free

The Ramblers group walk. Distance 10 miles.
Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. John’s Jaunt. To Calborne via Swainston, back along the Tennyson Trail. Apple stop and picnic lunch. more
Time: 10:30. Contact: John Rolfe - telephone: 01983 520155. Most walks are intended primarily for Ramblers’ Association members. Non-members are welcome to join us as guests on two or three walks, though if you walk with a group regularly you will be expected to join the Ramblers.