Supporters of Sandown’s UK Town of Culture bid took their regeneration campaign to the streets as the town launched the Isle of Wight’s carnival season on Saturday.
Backers of the Tide Turners campaign gathered behind a specially designed banner, using the annual Sandown Carnival to promote the town’s ambitious bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
The community-led campaign aims to place culture at the heart of Sandown’s regeneration and has already impressed judges, with the town progressing to the final stage of the national competition.
Earlier this month, Sandown was selected from almost 400 towns across the UK as 1 of just 15 finalists. The winning town will receive £3million to stage a programme of cultural events in 2028.
Bid co-ordinator Tracy Mikich, who helped carry the banner through the carnival procession, said:
“What a fabulous carnival and start to the season. It was truly fantastic hearing people shout enthusiastic messages of support.
“Making the shortlist for UK Town of Culture shows that others have faith in us and the community vision we have presented.”
Supporters also gathered outside the derelict Ocean Hotel, where naturalist Charles Darwin is said to have begun writing On the Origin of Species during the summer of 1858.
Bay Heritage Champion Paul Coueslant said the landmark plays an important role in the Tide Turners campaign.
“Not everyone knows that Darwin started writing his famous theory of evolution beneath the burnt-out gables of a Sandown hotel.
“His work transformed the way we think about our planet, and that part of the town’s history has been a powerful driver for our Town of Culture regeneration campaign.”
Shame they never had a banner that states
“DON’T PARK INSIDE A PEDESTRIANISED ZONE OUTSIDE THE OLD TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE OPPOSITE SANDOWN PIER”
That would be more appropriate.
NOT TO MENTION EVADING PAYING PARKING CHARGES
YET THE COUNCIL KEEP SAYING THEY ARE SKINT, WELL IF YOU
KEEP LETTING PEOPLE EVADE PARKING CHARGES WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!
It is not rocket science.