Traffic changes have been confirmed for this year’s Cowes Week as the popular firework finale returns for the first time since 2019, with motorists being urged to plan ahead.
A series of temporary road closures, one-way systems and access restrictions will be introduced across Cowes and East Cowes to help manage the thousands of spectators expected to attend the regatta’s traditional fireworks display.
The measures, agreed between event organisers Cowes Week Limited, Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council, will come into force from Friday 31st July until Saturday 8th August and largely mirror the arrangements last used in 2019.
The Parade will be closed to vehicles between 10:00 and 06:00 each day, with deliveries permitted only between 06:00 and 10:00 via a manned barrier at Castle Road. There will be no vehicle access to The Parade from Bath Road, although Bath Road itself will remain open with traffic required to leave via Bars Hill.
The High Street will also close daily between Terminus Road and Carvel Lane from 18:00 until at least 01:00. Red Jet passengers will still be able to be dropped off in Terminus Road.
Queens Road, Egypt Esplanade, Prince’s Esplanade and Woodvale Road will operate as a one-way westbound route towards The Woodvale throughout the event. On the night of the fireworks, Queens Road will close from around 17:00 until after the display due to the large crowds expected to gather on Prince’s Green.
In East Cowes, The Esplanade will be closed at its junctions with Albany Road, Maresfield Road and Cambridge Road to allow spectators to gather safely.
Southern Vectis will operate additional buses on routes 1 and N1 on fireworks night, while visitors are also being encouraged to use the Somerton Park and Ride service or parking at Northwood House to help ease congestion.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said:
“It is fantastic to see the Cowes Week fireworks returning this year.
“The display has long been one of the highlights of the Island’s summer calendar and we expect it will attract large numbers of residents and visitors to Cowes.
“The traffic management arrangements have been developed with event organisers Cowes Week Limited and Island Roads to keep people safe, maintain access for local businesses and keep traffic moving through the town as efficiently as possible.
“Anyone planning to attend, particularly on fireworks night, is encouraged to plan ahead and use public transport wherever possible. Additional bus services will run and Somerton Park and Ride provides a convenient option for visitors travelling into Cowes.
“By using public transport or Park and Ride where possible, people can help reduce congestion and make travelling to and from the event easier for everyone.
“These arrangements are based on measures that have been used successfully during previous Cowes Week events and will help ensure residents, businesses and visitors can enjoy the week safely.”
