Where: Fighting Cocks Crossroads, Bathingbourne Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 0LU
£: Advance tickets cost £9 for adults, £8 for concessions, £5 for Children (5-15), £26.50 for a family and under 5’s go free. Tickets are also available on the gate
What is it?
Garlic has been grown on the Isle of Wight for over 50 years, so it’s fitting that the island hosts an annual Garlic Festival, celebrating the pungent crop.
This year the festival takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August, with cookery demonstrations, garlic games, garlic-themed food, and a big beer tent.
Visitors to the festival can learn all they need to know about garlic, from cooking it, to the health benefits. The theatre kitchen will have cookery demonstrations and presentations from guests including Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain, and TV chef and bestselling author Rachel Khoo.
The festival will have more than just garlic products, there will be meats, vegetables, cheese, honey, wine, cider and juices on offer too.
In addition to garlic, there will also be entertainment with falconry displays, garlic games, plants, archery, and classic vehicles. Children’s entertainment will include inflatables, funfair rides, circus skills, magic shows, Punch and Judy, and face painting.
The Garlic Festival also boasts a live music stage and a big beer tent. This year’s acts include Miek Penders Searchers, Jona Lewie, the New Grass Cutters, Derek Sandy and a host of local bands. As well as music on the stage there will also be wandering performances from various musicians. The beer tent will have a selection of real ales and ciders for visitors to enjoy. There will also be a tent serving cream teas.
More info: www.garlicfestival.co.uk