The first-ever East Cowes Festival has been hailed as a resounding success after residents, visitors, performers and community groups came together for a weekend of entertainment and celebration.
The inaugural festival attracted people of all ages, with a varied programme of live entertainment, music, art and community activities taking place in the town.
Organisers say the event provided an opportunity to showcase local talent while celebrating the community spirit of East Cowes.
East Cowes Town Council has thanked the artists, performers, musicians and community groups who gave their time and talents free of charge to help make the festival possible.
The Town Council’s Events Committee has also been praised for its work in shaping the event from its inception, alongside council staff who helped with its planning, marketing and delivery.
Councillors, volunteers and community partners also worked together throughout the event, with volunteers giving up their time before, during and after the festival.
The celebrations coincided with the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, including a fireworks display on Friday evening.
Councillor Tracy Reardon, Mayor of East Cowes, has said:
“I am incredibly proud of what our community has achieved through the first East Cowes Festival. The response from residents and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the event together.
“The festival was made even more special by the Cowes Week 200th Anniversary celebrations, including the magnificent fireworks display on Friday evening, which was enjoyed by so many people.
“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all of the artists, performers and community groups who gave their time so generously, as well as our volunteers, Events Committee and Town Council staff, whose collective efforts made the festival possible.
“This event has truly showcased the strength of community spirit in East Cowes, and I hope it will be remembered as the first of many successful festivals for our town.”
Following the success of the first festival, East Cowes Town Council says it hopes to continue creating opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate local talent and promote the town.
