![Wight Games Festival 2026 - Group Shot [Straight Happy Close-Up].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b77c9c_01b4268f2acb42f8931f9ed86ceb0def~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_94,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Wight%20Games%20Festival%202026%20-%20Group%20Shot%20%5BStraight%20Happy%20Close-Up%5D.jpg)
Wight Games Festival 2026 - Multi-Sport Event and Community Festival on the Isle of Wight
Sports Included: Bridge, Canoeing, Chess, Colouring Competition, Cricket, Croquet, Darts, Equestrian (Working Equitation), Family Fancy Fun Run, Football (Keepie Uppies), Kurling, Netball, Paddleboarding, Padel, Pickleball, Pool, Quizzy Bingo, Roman Board Games, Rowing (Gig Rowing Regatta), Rummikub, Sailing, Tennis, Traditional Sports Day, Welly Wanging.
Brand-new this year, the Wight Games Festival is a community ‘Olympic Games’ for the Isle of Wight. It includes traditional sports such as Sailing, Tennis and Equestrian, but also games and activities to enable everyone to take part in whatever way they can, such as Chess, Quizzy Bingo and even Welly Wanging.
All monies raised are to be split between three Island charities: Mountbatten Isle of Wight, Independent Arts and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity.
The end of this year’s inaugural Wight Games Festival will coincide with Cowes Week’s 200th anniversary. It’s all about celebrating just how incredible the Island and its people are, and how much the Island has to offer, by showcasing a wide variety of groups, clubs and societies. It’s also about showcasing this to visitors on the island, whether they come especially to take part, or happen upon it when on holiday.
In future years we plan to run this festival annually, growing year on year. We would also look to have a torch or baton relay, and an Opening and Closing Ceremony.
Would you like to include a sport or activity in the mix? Simply get in touch below!
Join the Wight Games Festival 2026 – an Isle of Wight sports and community event featuring competitions, activities and entertainment for all ages.
ARE YOU READY, STEADY, WIGHT??
WHO?
MEET OUR CHARITY CHAMPIONS
![Beaverbrook Foundation Logo [with credit].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b77c9c_57423bd274204db7a72a5a9b576103cd~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_682,h_883/fill/w_68,h_88,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Beaverbrook%20Foundation%20Logo%20%5Bwith%20credit%5D.png)
INDEPENDENT ARTS
“Independent Arts is a Creative Health improves people's health and wellbeing on the Isle of Wight through creative activities enabling people to connect, live well and thrive. Mike Christie has been supporting Independent Arts as our Ambassador for a number of years. His help through the Wight Proms Festival has been invaluable to our charity, and his continued backing through the Wight Games Festival will mean we can carry on supporting islanders through our sessions.”
Matt Hitt, Creative Programmes and Fundraising Manager
The Creative Hub is our base in Newport, and it’s more than a building — it’s a lifeline, and a home. A place for so many people to feel welcome, make friends, and find joy through creativity. Open 6 days a week, it’s a safe, inspiring space for anyone who needs it, and every person who walks in the door is welcomed without judgement. Every workshop is designed to support people’s mental and physical wellbeing through everyday creativity and every penny raised helps us keep our door open for those who need it most.
Registered Charity No. 297474.
MOUNTBATTEN ISLE OF WIGHT
Mountbatten Isle of Wight is the Island’s only end‑of‑life care provider, supporting around 2,500 people every day with expert, compassionate care at home and in the hospice. As a beneficiary of the Wight Games Festival, donations will help us meet rapidly growing demand and ensure that everyone facing death, and those close to them, continue to receive the highest‑quality care whenever and wherever it’s needed.
“Mountbatten Isle of Wight is delighted to be involved in Wight Games Festival 2026. We are looking forward to taking part and running our own Quizzy Bingo. I know there will be some amazing games and sports on offer, which look set to get the whole Island moving and living well - one of our key objectives at Mountbatten Isle of Wight. We are very grateful for Mike Christie’s ongoing support. We appreciate his regular involvement as a music ambassador on our inpatient unit and John Cheverton Centre, interacting with people using Mountbatten’s services. We are excited to be part of this new Island event.”
Becky McGregor, CEO, Mountbatten
Registered Charity No. 1039086.
ISLE OF WIGHT NHS TRUST CHARITY
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity provides support to cover non-essential items, and improvements for patients of St Mary's hospital, and the Ambulance service. The charity also supports the wellbeing of our staff and volunteers. We are delighted to be supported by the Wight Games Festival and see this as a great opportunity to promote good health and wellbeing across our communities.
"The Trust is delighted that the Wight Games Festival has chosen our partner charity, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity, to be a beneficiary of the Games. Kind donations made to our charity mean we can enhance the care we give our patients and support our staff in ways which wouldn't be possible otherwise. Thank you so much for the support, and good luck to everyone taking part in the games.”
Penny Emerit, Chief Executive
Registered Charity No. 1049606.
ARE YOU READY, STEADY, WIGHT??
WHAT?
Here is the sports and activities line-up for this new and exciting Wight Games Festival, divided into three categories: Traditional, Quirky and Family. To register your interest in a particular activity, simply RSVP and we will be in touch with you when there is further information. Please note if you RSVP you are consenting to sharing your contact details with the host organisation of that particular sport. Thank you for getting involved, and do help us in our inaugural year by spreading the word and getting involved!
![Wight Games Festival 2026 - Colouring Competition [Original Image].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b77c9c_3d553b2537684e35ab4915bce5178a5b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_74,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Wight%20Games%20Festival%202026%20-%20Colouring%20Competition%20%5BOriginal%20Image%5D.png)
COLOURING COMPETITION
Our most accessible 'sport' on offer, as you don't even need to leave your home. Why not deliver one of the colouring sheets to a friend or family member to assist them in being part of the Wight Games Festival?
Suitable for all ages, in one adult and three child categories, you can use any medium you like, so you can fully unleash your creative spirit.
Simply download the colouring sheet below, and get colouring!
Once complete, you can either take a photo or scan your coloured-in sheet and send it to us (upload below), or you can drop it off at one of our affiliated locations. Make sure you write your name and contact details on the back of the sheet if submitting in person.
All entries must be received by the end of Sunday 9th August 2026. The winners of each of the four categories will be decided by a panel of judges (to be announced).
ARE YOU READY, STEADY, WIGHT??
The Wight Games Festival is a multi-sport and community event on the Isle of Wight, bringing together competitions, activities and people of all ages.
Whether you are competing, watching or just turning up for the atmosphere, there’s something going on.
What to expect
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Sport for everyone
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From competitive events to casual participation, no elite badge required.
A proper community atmosphere
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Clubs, families, visitors all in one place.
More than just sport
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Fun games, entertainment and space to spend the day not just pass through.
Who it’s for
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Local clubs and athletes
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Families looking for something to do
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Visitors to the Isle of Wight
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Anyone who wants to take part
Looking for events on the Isle of Wight in 2026?
The Wight Games Festival is a new sports and community event featuring competitions, activities and entertainment across the Island.