The Island’s biggest summer show returns with something for all the family on the 15th and 16th August and it’s not just about garlic – a full entertainment line-up includes family fun, feats of strength and highwire action, Frozen sing-alongs and live music.
This year’s Garlic Festival is shaping up to be the best ever – with the biggest and widest ranging line-up yet. From top chefs to million selling chart acts to one of the world’s strongest men – you’ll find it all at Fighting Cocks Crossroads, just outside Newchurch, on the weekend of August 15th/16th.
TV chef and bestselling author Rachel Khoo, well known for Little Paris Kitchen and Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook, will be the star name in the Food Theatre. Rachel will be appearing on the Sunday and will also be signing copies of her new book.
This year’s expanded theatre kitchen will feature demonstrations all weekend from talented chefs and foodie experts, showcasing the best in local produce. Colin and Natasha Boswell from Newchurch’s Garlic Farm will be hosting demonstrations on both days, along with Garlic Farm chef Phillip Hopkins. Anna Sacchini, owner of Ryde’s Ristorante Michelangelo will showcase the ‘soul’ of Italian cooking and will be cooking gnocchi. Salina Rahim-Campbell of L’ailolive will be bringing Malysian flavours to the Garlic Festival, via London’s Borough Market.
Music lovers are guaranteed a great weekend. On Sunday festival-goers can enjoy Angie Brown and The Rhythm Method. Earlier in the day it’s a chance to singalong with the hits of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, delivered by the Jersey Guys.
On Saturday the Garlic Festival goes stadium rock with the 80s Hair Rock Experience, bringing the music of Bon Jovi, Europe, Whitesnake, Queen and Aerosmith to the show. Expect big choruses, big sing-alongs, and – of course – big hair. There’s also Bootleg Blondie, Europe’s official Blondie tribute band, who will deliver all of Blondie’s classics in stunning style.
Don’t miss strongman The Mighty Smith, three times winner of the UK’s Strongest Man competition, who will be performing feats of strength like bending six inch nails in his teeth, walking on a bed of broken glass and holding a chair – with a seated lady on it – in his teeth.
It’s a welcome return to the arena for Bob Hogg and The Lamb National who were a runaway success at last year’s show. Bob’s team of working sheepdogs will inform and entertain, herding ducks around the assault course, followed by the Lamb National Sheep Race.
Animal lovers will be spoilt for choice at this year’s event, with Haven Falconry bringing birds of prey and ferret racing. There’s dog agility from Wight Wizards and look out for the alpacas too!
Throughout the weekend you can take part in the Garlic Games, hosted by the beautiful and slightly pungent Garlic Queen.. There’s a fancy dress parade and the IW Model Engineering Society will be steaming up with their miniature engines. The kids can take on In2Action’s climbing wall and play inflatable aeroball and there’s magic from Randini with Punch and Judy.
Garlic Festival promoter David Holmes says:
“We can’t wait for this year’s Garlic Festival and we’re really excited about our line up which I really believe offers something for everyone, regardless of age”.
Tickets for the 2015 Garlic Festival are only available on the gate on the day of the show. Adult tickets are priced at £9.50, with children (aged 5-15) at £5.00. Under 5’s go FREE with concessions at £8.50. Family Tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are priced at £25.00.
