Big Day Out

The event is full of fun, information and entertainments and above all, is entirely free.

The event brings together all of the services on the Island that offer help, support and activities for children and young people. Dozens of organisations and services will be exhibiting on the day. These include representatives from many Isle of Wight Council services such as Trading Standards, Connexions and the Fostering Service.

Organisations from health, the community and the voluntary sector will also be present as will private businesses. Big Day Out is now in its sixth year and coincides with the national Family Learning Month (October 1 - 31).

There will be plenty of entertainment on the day including magic shows, samba bands, face painting, bouncy castles, fencing and a limbo competition. If that does not take your fancy, there's live music, a mini-moto display, yoga, dance-mat sessions, pool activities and a number of trailers, including displays from the Army Cadets and Hampshire Constabulary. There's also a free prize draw to win a mountain bike.

Although the event is totally free, everyone attending will require a ticket.
These are available from Friday 19 September from all public libraries, children's centres, youth centres across the Island as well as Connexions information points in the High Schools and the Isle of Wight College.

The Family Information Zone (FIZ) in Newport and the IW Youth Trust will also stock tickets. Members of the public are advised to collect tickets early to avoid disappointment. One ticket is required per person.

Free bus travel has been arranged via Wightbus to and from the event from around the Island and free parking is also available at the venue. Bus travel must be booked through local libraries and details of timetables and more information about the Big Day Out can be found at www.iwight.com and also at www.westwight.co.uk