Village halls across the Isle of Wight are opening their doors as part of a national week celebrating rural community life this week.
As part of the celebrations, Community Action Isle of Wight (CAIW), in partnership with the National Trust, will host a Village Halls Event at Mottistone Gardens on Sunday 22nd March, from 11:00 to 15:00.
The event will bring together village halls from across the Island to showcase the activities, groups and opportunities they offer local communities. Visitors can enjoy a range of talks, demonstrations, crafts, wellbeing activities, stalls and live entertainment throughout the day.
Village Halls Week – now in its eighth year – is the flagship campaign of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the national charity dedicated to supporting people living and working in rural communities.
The 2026 celebration runs from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd March and focuses on health and wellbeing, highlighting the role community buildings play in helping rural residents connect with activities, services and each other.
The Mottistone Gardens event will feature a variety of organisations and community groups including Healthwatch Isle of Wight, One Wight Health, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, WightWays and the Isle of Wight Cactus & Succulent Society.
Visitors will also be able to take part in a Silent Disco Groove session with Caroline Lyons, a short Pilates session with Laura Pennells, and a wellbeing talk by Molly Dixon titled Worth: The Wildflower Way.
Other activities include a talk on Inner Child Healing Basics by wellbeing coach Naomi Newey, a beekeeping talk by Andrew Bailey from Wight Hives Honey, and a gentle walk around the gardens with IOW Adventure Girls UK.
Megan Jacobs from Wight Coast Fossils will also deliver a talk titled Buried Secrets: Unearthing the Isle of Wight’s Prehistoric Past.
Creative activities will take place throughout the day, with the Isle of Wight Art Club providing live painting demonstrations, while children can decorate wooden wish houses to take home or hang on a tree.
Visitors can also explore a fossil stall from Wight Coast Fossils, browse jewellery and craft displays, take part in Girlguides bracelet making and enjoy refreshments in the National Trust tea room. Ranger-led activities for children will also take place, with the possibility of sheep making an appearance if the weather allows.
Entertainment will begin shortly before the official opening, with FAT Samba performing at 10:50. Yarmouth Mayor Debbie McCleary and Gill Head will officially open the event at 11:00.
Melodic Choir will perform at 11:40, followed by African drumming at 13:30 and Bay Wailers at 14:00.
A spokesperson from Community Action Isle of Wight said:
“We are delighted to be celebrating Village Halls Week once again. Events like this highlight just how important village halls are to communities across the Island.
“While many may see village halls as simply part of rural life, they are much more than bricks and mortar. They are welcoming community spaces where people can meet, learn new skills, stay active and feel connected to others.”
All events for Village Halls Week 2026 have been designed to align with the NHS-backed Five Steps to Wellbeing – connect, be active, take notice, give and keep learning.
Further information about Village Halls Week can be found at www.acre.org.uk.
