Girlguiding IW had a stand at the 2026 version of Riverfest held on Saturday 9th May. Hundreds of IW residents and visitors flocked to Newport Quay for this popular annual event which featured, marching bands, vintage vehicles, funfair rides, live entertainment and much more.

Enquiries from parents and carers for girls, aged 4-14 joining Girlguiding came in thick and fast and included requests to join units across the Island, including the Bay area, Ryde, East Cowes and Northwood as well as Newport.

Girls were encouraged to undertake crafts on the stand whilst adults chatted to the five members of Girlguiding IW who were on hand with advice on joining. Some adults were not aware that there were Girlguiding Units within their locations so members, especially leaders, need to get the “join Girlguiding” message out more to the public at large.

This successful event followed on from another community event held at Mottistone a few weeks ago. At this event 25 made friendship bracelets as well as picking up information. One girl was so keen to be a Brownie that the very next day she attended her local unit.

Photo from NT.