A brand-new celebration of sport, games and community spirit is coming to the Isle of Wight this summer, helping to raise vital funds for local charities, including Independent Arts.

The Wight Games Festival will take place from June to August across the Island, bringing together a wide range of activities in what organisers describe as a “joyful mash-up of traditional sports, games and quirky challenges.” From sailing, cricket and tennis to chess, colouring competitions and even welly wanging, the festival offers something for everyone.

Designed as an inclusive, Island-wide event, the festival encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part, whether they are trying something new or returning to something they love. With activities that engage both mind and body, it reflects a shared focus on wellbeing, creativity and connection across the Island community.

The festival has been created by Mike Christie, founder of the Wight Proms Festival and long-time Ambassador for Independent Arts.

Mike said:

“It gives me enormous joy to give something back to the Island community. The Isle of Wight is packed with extraordinary clubs, groups and individuals doing brilliant things and this Festival is our chance to showcase that incredible variety.

I wanted to create something where absolutely everyone can take part in something that interests them, whether it’s a traditional sport they already love or something completely unexpected that they haven’t even tried before.

It’s about rethinking what we see as a ‘sport’, making the Festival fully accessible, bringing people together and, at the same time, raising money for three extremely important local charities who do amazing work on our Island.”

At Independent Arts, we see the value of creativity and activity in supporting healthier, happier lives.

Matt Hitt, Fundraising Manager at Independent Arts, said:

“Independent Arts is an Island-based creative health charity, improving people’s health and wellbeing on the Isle of Wight through creative activities that enable people to live well and thrive.

Mike Christie has been supporting Independent Arts as our Ambassador for a number of years. His support through the Wight Proms Festival has been invaluable, and his continued backing through the Wight Games Festival will help us continue delivering creative health workshops that support islanders’ mental and physical wellbeing.”

The festival is free to take part in, with donations encouraged throughout. Funds raised will be shared between Mountbatten Isle of Wight, Independent Arts, and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust charity, supporting essential work across health, wellbeing and community care.

Details of participating events and activities will be announced in the coming weeks. Those interested can register their interest via the festival website.

Organisers hope the Wight Games Festival will become a regular fixture in the Island calendar, celebrating the diversity, creativity and community spirit that make the Isle of Wight such a special place to live.

Find out more and register your interest: www.wightgames.co.uk