Cider, cheese, live music and steam trains will come together at Havenstreet this weekend as the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s popular annual Cider & Cheese Festival returns.
Taking place this Saturday and Sunday (12th -13th September), the 2-day festival will blend local flavours with vintage transport nostalgia for Island residents and visitors.
Held at Havenstreet Station, the event will showcase an impressive selection of ciders alongside a huge variety of cheeses.
Visitors will be able to create their own tasting platters, complete with crunchy pickles and crackers to accompany a cool pint.
Local produce will feature prominently, with artisan selections from Briddlesford Farm Dairy and the Isle of Wight Cheese Company joined by a range of guest varieties from the mainland.
The festival bars will be open from 11:00-17:00 on both days, while live music will add to the atmosphere between 13:00-16:00 on Saturday and Sunday. There will be even more to explore on Saturday morning, when the railway hosts its Grand Car Boot Sale from 09:30-13:00, offering bargain hunters the chance to uncover some nostalgic treasures.
Admission to the Cider & Cheese Festival and Havenstreet Station is completely free.
Those wanting to make a full day of it can also climb aboard one of the railway’s vintage steam trains for a 10-mile round trip through the Isle of Wight countryside, travelling in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages.
Standard operating day fares apply for train journeys, but families can take advantage of a special ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion throughout the weekend. Up to 3 children can travel free with every full-price adult train ticket purchased.
With free festival admission, local cider and cheese, live music and the sights and sounds of steam, the weekend offers plenty of reasons to pay Havenstreet a visit.
For full details about the Cider & Cheese Festival, train timetables and to book steam train tickets in advance, visit www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/special-events/
