top of page
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • X
Wight Games Festival 2026 - Group Shot [Straight Happy Close-Up].jpg
Wight Games Festival - Logo v1.png

Please note: this website is currently under development and not publicly launched.

ARE YOU READY, STEADY, WIGHT??

 

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!

WHO?

MEET OUR CHARITY CHAMPIONS

CHARITIES

ALL MONIES RAISED WILL BE SPLIT BETWEEN THREE ISLAND CHARITIES

Independent Arts - Logo v2_edited.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 Hospice - Logo BLUE.png

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.

IOW NHS Trust - Logo.png

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.

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!

  • 11 May 2026, 18:45 – 21:45
    Lift Ryde, Pell Lane, Ryde PO33 3LL, UK
    Isle of Wight Netball is putting on a competition as part of the Wight Games Festival, for which everyone is welcome take part. A team sport for all ages and genders within certain age groups and events.
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    17 Jun 2026, 19:00 – 21:00
    Robin Hill Adventure Park, Downend Road, Downend, Newport PO30 2NU
    Why not join us for the 'Keepie Uppie' competition, which requires a little bit of skill, a lot of smiles, and is something everyone can have a go at.
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    25 Jun 2026, 13:30 – 16:00
    Northwood WI (Village) Hall, 364 Newport Road, Northwood, Cowes PO31 8PL, UK
    The WI is about so much more than Jam and Jerusalem these days and the IW Federation are joining in the Wight Games Festival fun by hosting two sessions of Kurling.
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    25 Jun 2026, 13:30 – 16:00
    Northwood WI (Village) Hall, 364 Newport Road, Northwood, Cowes PO31 8PL, UK
    The WI is about so much more than Jam and Jerusalem these days and the IW Federation are joining in the Wight Games Festival fun by hosting three sessions of Darts.
    Share
  • 01 Jul 2026, 12:00 – 09 Aug 2026, 12:00
    Take a photo and send to us, or drop it off
    This is 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. Simply download the colouring sheet from this webpage!
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    01 Jul 2026, 15:30 – 16:30
    Parklands Dementia Resource Centre, Parklands Resource Centre, Park Rd, Cowes PO31 7LZ, UK
    The Alzheimer Café in Park Road, Cowes are hosting an all-standards Rummikub competition, with the heats over four Wednesday afternoons on 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th July followed by a finals afternoon on 5th August.
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    02 Jul 2026, 17:30 – 22:00
    Newclose County Cricket Ground, Blackwater Road, Newport PO30 3BE, UK
    17.30-18.30 Women's softball game followed by Women's World Cup Semi-final watch party 18.30-22.00 at Newclose CCG. 
    Share
  • 04 Jul 2026, 09:30 – 10:30
    Island Riding Centre, Staplers Road, Newport PO30 2NB, UK
    The Island Riding Centre on the outskirts of Newport is hosting this event, which will see horse riders from beginner to advanced level, take on a course of obstacles in the Arena. The sessions will be short but fun and in groups of three or more.
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    04 Jul 2026, 10:30 – 12:30
    Independent Arts Creative Hub, 48-49 High Street, Newport PO30 1SE, UK
    A chess tournament open to all, Come and join in; all abilities welcome. Twelve pairs will be playing at any one time, and weather-permitting, the action will take place outside in St James’ Square, Newport, otherwise it will be inside at The Hub.
    Share
  • 05 Jul 2026, 10:00 – 14:00
    West Wight Sports & Community Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater PO40 9XH, UK
    West Wight Sports and Community Centre will host an all-day competition that is open to all. Players will be randomly partnered with those of different abilities. The scoring system will allow players of a lesser ability level to be competitive with stronger entrants.
    Share
Wight Games Festival 2026 - Colouring Competition [Original Image].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).

COLOURING COMPETITION - ENTER HERE!

Choose Category
Adult (18 and over)
Ages 12-17
Ages 6-11
Ages Under 6

WHY?

Promote physical and mental health and wellbeing on the Island

Drive awareness of the Island and build brand love for the Island

Build a stronger sense of community within the Island

Celebrate the diversity of talents, experience and capabilities on the Island

Showcase the array of sports, groups, societies and clubs on the Island

Raise funds and build engagement and awareness for island charities

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Wight Games Festival - Quarr Abbey - Traditional Sports Day - Egg & Spoon Race.jpg

CONTACT US

bottom of page