The first Cowes Fringe is set to take place this week, with stars such as Axel Blake, Earl Carpenter and Claire Sweeney lined up to take to the stages.
The event will take place from Friday, May 26, to Sunday, May 28, and is set to deliver an explosion of art and culture through performances and workshops.
The event will feature household names, workshops, music and comedy.
Here's just some of what's on offer, if you are looking for some hidden treasures:
The Head Gardener
Brothers Jake and Warren Oldershaw are born and bred West Wighters. While Jake made a career out of ’showing off’ on that gurt mainland and even further afield, Warren ended up with a nice (proper) job, designing and looking after gardens on the Island.
They’ll tell personal tales of why gardening is so important for mental health; design, draught and bring to life a unique and beautiful garden; share fascinating stories of different projects, plants and species; and maybe even throw a few songs into the mix.
The Head Gardener toured nationally last autumn, and the brothers are delighted to bring it to the Island. The show is being held at Moocow on May 28.
The Path to Publication, a workshop for budding writers and curious readers
Don’t miss the exciting workshop for budding writers and curious readers at Cowes Library on Friday, May 26, 7pm to 8.30pm.
Hear from travel writer Julie Watson and published author Felicity Fair Thompson.
It’s free and refreshments are provided. Book a place by calling 01983 293341 or emailing coweslibrary@iow.gov.uk.
Cowes Fringe Hootenanny
Island musician Chris Quinton is running a Hootenanny event on Friday, May 26, featuring local songwriters.
He'll open the show with a short set and then introduce Toca Latino, Coosticks, Solace and Tom Francis Turner, playing alternately over two stages.
The audience will be seated cabaret style with a capacity of about 100 in the pop-up venue, Mark's Shed.
There's a bar inside and doors open at 7.30pm.
Ben Stubbs
Hear tracks from local singer/songwriter Ben Stubbs' new album.
We featured an article on Ben's new album in the County Press this week.
Ben plays at 9pm on Saturday.
Jay Eatwell
Islanders supported Jay by rooting for him when he appeared on Channel 4's The Piano, and made it to the final.
His unique blend of beautiful piano and heart-felt rap can be heard in person on Saturday night in the Mark's Shed venue.
Who else is on at Cowes Fringe 2023?
Also on are Alfie Moore (It's a Fair Cop), Nina Ross, Greg Barnes, the Pinocchio show, Rob Da Bank, Meg Kimpton, John Blek, Quivers and Sean Logan.
Workshops are being run by Independent Arts.
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