There is plenty to do in Cowes for the special 200 years regatta. Here is a selection:

here seems to be several main venues for regatta events- Regatta Village on Cowes Parade, Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepards Marina.

All week The Parade will be home to a wide range of retailers, food stalls, bars and activities, including free try-sailing sessions run by UKSA from the Youth Sailing Zone. In the Youth Zone there is plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has their boat “Solent Hero” open to explore .

The Parade also sees the start of the “Maritime Heritage Trail” which leads participants through the town via venues with Cowes Regatta connections to the Classic Boat Museum and beyond. One venue sees a unique exhibition from The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. ‘Sailing Through Royal History’ explores Britannia’s deep-rooted connections with Cowes.

Hosted in the historic Commodore’s House – once the renowned workshop of Uffa Fox – the exhibition offers a rare and compelling insight into Cowes’ rich maritime and Royal heritage.

Daily entertainment is on offer including Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust Mast Climb Challenge and on some themed days there are special activities

2nd. August- Family Day-Scavenger Hunt- card from the EMCT stand- and Captain Ted Funnel

4^th August– Women’s Day.- celebration of women in sailing and Mr Randini’s Magic Show .

5^th August. North Sails Race Day-kitesurfing demonstration off the Royal Yacht Squadron at 12noon.

6^th August– Royal Navy Day-Mr Randini’s Magic Show- Royal Marines Band from 18:00 – 19:00 and Aerial Display presented by Red Funnel at 19.10.

7^th August. 21:30 North Sails Firework Display.

At Cowes Yacht Haven one of the main attractions is the Musto Bar which will host the opening social on the 1^st August. This bar will be complemented by food stands, many from Island vendors, drinks stands plus activities and entertainment. This year these include on stage live performances from around 17:00 daily, Activities and entertainment are daily but highlights for the week include:Monday at 17:45- Shalfleet Shanty Singers and GB1 America’s Cup simulator, Musto x Emirates GBR SailGP Grinder, Sunsail’s giant beach games,Mount Gay Rum Shack and Mermaid Gin Bar. CYHs Pontoon View Bar will be open for breakfast and throughout the day until late.

Shepards Marina will have its Sugar Store open over the first weekend and on Friday 7th but on Monday August 3rd Mermaid Gin is hosting Mermaid Monday an event to celebrate 200 years of Cowes Week

A DJ will be on hand from 4pm and 200 Mermaid Gin drinks will be given away from 5pm (strictly one pp and subject to age checks). From 6pm the Cat Skellington Jazz Band will perform.

In addition Northwood House (see The Northwood House website for full details) has its popular afternoon teas on St. Mary’s Lawn daily from 11am (with sparkling wine from Tinwood Estate for a special tea .at extra cost) as well as evening events. The Musto Lawn Bar will also be open daily with special events in the evenings.

Saturday 1st August – free concert by Wight Diamonds Marching Band at 2pm on the Tea Garden Lawn followed by The Epic Lawn Bar Cowes Party Night sponsored by Musto . featuring Vernon Kay.

Sunday 2rd family tree climbing in Northwood Park from 12noon from Goodleaf Climbing plus Isle of Wight Radio Super Sunday Family Party with a free afternoon of entertainment. This is followed by comedy legend Jasper Carrott who will be joined by Strictly ABBA.

Monday 3^rd –The Big Lawn Hoedown, sponsored by Damm Lemon,and featuring JC and the Bushwhackers from 8pm.

Tuesday 4^th. a special tea will be served (1pm & 3.30pm sittings) .Tickets are exclusively available through the Price is Wight website. Also in Northwood park from 4^th August for 5 days will be the John Matthews Family Fun Fair-from 11am.Tequila Tuesday in the evening.-Musto Lawn.

Wednesday 5^th – DJs Dance Music- Musto Lawn.

Thursday 6th- Ladies Lunch (£45) is presented by “All About Catering” in Northwood House. At 3pm public event- Royal Marines Band (Portsmouth)-Musto Lawn.

Evening-” Thirsty Thursday.”

Friday 7th- Music Firework Party with Craig Charles.

Yacht Clubs have their usual parties and balls whilst most pubs have live entertainment and good food- much of which is supplied by local firm D.J. Hunt.

For those seeking a quieter time the Cowes Week Service is at Holy Trinity Church (behind the RYS ) on Sunday 2^nd at 18;15. During the week the church will be open to visitors with delicious tea and home-made cakes available plus an Art Show.