As well as some great sailing, Cowes Week will have all the usual entertainment around the town – but there will be no fireworks or Red Arrows this year.
Cowes Week Ltd. have welcomed new supporting sponsors including Cowes Yacht Haven and Red Funnel. In the Yacht Haven another supporting sponsor- Musto – has given its name to the ever-popular bar which welcomes sailors after a day of racing as well as visitors to Cowes and locals. Musto is the official Clothing Supplier to Cowes Week.
The first entertainment events will be held on Friday (28th July) with music on The Parade/Regatta Village, Cowes Yacht Haven and in The Anchor. Entertainment at these and various other venues continues throughout Cowes Week -best to check the Cowes Week website/app for venues and times.
On Saturday, the Parade entertainment commences at 14:00 and runs through until 22:30 whilst in Cowes Yacht Haven the music starts at 19:00. 4 yacht clubs are holding parties or receptions and Northwood House comes into its own on Saturday between 11:00 and 17:00 with Northwood House Tea Garden serving home-made cakes, scones, sandwiches, hot & cold drinks and ice cream between 12:00 and 00:00 at The Lawn Bar. Also, between 12:00 and 00:30 the Mermaid Garden will be serving their Gins, Vodka and now, Rum.
Most of the Lawn Bar is comprised of outdoor table seating but there will be some lounge marquee seating undercover, available on a first come – first served basis. Food this year will be provided in the form of delicious fresh cooked pizza and gourmet burger from the team at Captain Takeout. The super trendy Yurt Bar forms part of the Mermaid Garden which returns as the best socialising space in town.
Saturday also sees the start of the High Street entertainment with music, entertainers, face painting and glitter tattoos based at various locations between 11:00 and 18:00 daily, depending on weather.
Sunday sees the entertainment continue at the venues already mentioned but check out the Cowes Week website/app or social media for times of performances. 1 of the many social events is the Cowes Week Limited Competitor Cocktail Party to be held at the Royal Yacht Squadron which is invitation only.
Monday 31st July is Charity Day/Royal Navy Day between 10:00 and 17:00. Say hello to the official charity The Tall Ships Youth Trust. There is also a chance to hop aboard their training vessel Challenger 1. The Royal Navy will also be there supporting their guard ship which will be moored off Cowes all week.
Tuesday is Womens Day which celebrates the contribution and achievement of women in sailing and recognises some of the major successes of women in the sport. Between 15:00 and 18:00, the event Women Who Rock the Boat – Royal Thames will take place at Commodores House.
This event is open to all on Womens Day under the banner of Women who Rock the Boat. Join in for a glass of rose post sailing and the first 50 people who buy a ticket will also get a Women who Rock the Boat baseball Cap. Tickets are £10.
Wednesday 2nd August is Youth Day at Cowes Week when Cowes Week focuses on the next generation of sailors. At Northwood House between 22:30 and 01:00 there will be a Disco Alfresco bringing a Balearic party vibe with top local DJs, subject to venue capacity and tickets. This Disco will also be held on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday 3 August 2023 is Royal Navy Day. Youth groups from across the Island including Girlguiding Isle of Wight will have the chance to meet up with RN personnel and undertake some fun activities plus a visit to the RN ship anchored off Cowes.
In Northwood Park between 11:00 and 17:00 you can see the Red Funnel Luminarium Experience – an awe-inspiring art and light experience set in a huge inflatable structure which travels the world. Tickets and information from Red Funnel. The Luminarium Experience will be staged until 6th August.
Between 22:00 and 01:00, the ever-popular Mount Gay Crew Party will be held at Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre with DJ Mark Covell. Will those hundreds of Red Caps be there again?
Friday will see all the weeks usual activities and entertainment plus Cowes Week Overall Prize Giving between 19:30 and 20:30 in the Yacht Haven Event Centre. All competitors are welcome to attend, with prizes for Overall, 2nd and 3rd in each class.
The Commodores House will host a pop-up restaurant as well as private functions. Housed off Cowes High Street this fascinating building is the one-time home of Yacht designer/sailor Uffa Fox.
You can check further details on the Cowes week website/app.
