Walking Festival

A record number of walkers took part in this year's Isle of Wight Walking Festival and now organisers are turning their attention to a brand new celebratory event in October. Organisers from the Isle of Wight Council estimate that well over 20,000 people attended the 275 walks organised for what was the 10th festival (May 3-18).

Widespread accreditation, support & participation

Boosted by some brilliant weather and a council-led PR and marketing campaign - which resulted in coverage on BBC Countryfile, BBC South Today, The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, The Observer and The Sunday Express - walk leaders have reported unprecedented attendance at many of the themed, coastal and countryside walks, which ranged from Storywalks for the kids to the world-famous Isle of Wight speed-dating walk.

A celebrity launch by Island High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh, and regular Island walker, Ben Fogle, plus a new event called Riverfest held over the first May Bank Holiday weekend also pulled in the crowds. Over 3,000 people went along to Newport Quay on Saturday 3 May to attend the launch. The whole day was packed with walks, entertainment and workshops as well as a chance to browse around the many stalls.

Ensuring the Island's reputation as one of the UK's best walking destinations

Elaine Cesar, Event organiser for the Isle of Wight Council, said: "The perfect weather has encouraged so many people to step out and take part in our fantastic programme of walks. It was certainly our busiest festival ever and a great many walkers have said they will turn either for the October Weekend Walking festival or next year's 10th anniversary event."

One of the new walks in this year's programme was an 'Enchanted Amble' when in excess of 90 people turned up, many of whom enjoyed a fantastic cream tea afterwards, courtesy of the Enchanted Manor in Niton.

"Due to the magnificent support of our walk leaders, we have once again managed to stage an event which has not only encouraged out of season visitors to the Island, but has also helped to maintain its position as one of UK's best walking destinations," Elaine said.

"We are now already turning our attention to the October 24-27 weekend festival. "With around 30 individual events held over the long-weekend, walkers can expect a mini-version of the May event, including a Meditative Walk, a Ventnor Wild Food Walk, Nordic Walking plus the chance to meet like-minded people on another speed-dating walk."

A resounding success for all involved

Elaine said: "The feedback from both walkers and walk leaders has been phenomenal - they all seem to think it is the best festival yet. Most of the walks have had a significant increase in walkers and some were over subscribed and people had to be turned away.

"To date 15,500 people have walked which was the overall total of last year. However, I am still waiting statistics for about 200 walks. We will know the final totals in June but I expect us to go well past the 20,000 mark.

"Many walkers have already booked to come back next year and many make already booked in for October."

Cllr George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Isle of Wight Council and Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Tourism, said: "I am delighted the festival has been such a resounding success. The festival has brought thousands of visitors to the Island and the feedback we have received shows that not only is this an extremely well run event but also that the Isle of Wight is a first class destination. "We look forward to similar success in October. Though this is a brand new event, all the indications are that it will be another success which I am sure will be welcomed by the industry."

The 2009 Isle of Wight Walking Festival will take place from 9 - 24 May. Full details of October's Celebratory Walking Weekend can be found at www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

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