Isle of Wight Garlic Festival facts for kids

The Garlic Festival is a super fun event held every year on the Isle of Wight. It helps raise money for the island's growing Garlic industry. It also supports other local farms. It's a big celebration of all things garlic!

Festival History

The Garlic Festival has been happening almost every year since 1983. Only in 2020 was it cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 1985 to 2006, a group called the Newchurch Parish Sports & Community Association organized the festival. They raised lots of money for local sports and community projects. Now, The Garlic Festival Ltd. runs the event. About 20,000 people visit the festival each year!

Many dedicated volunteers have helped organize the festival over the years. Thanks to their hard work, new sports facilities and a community hall were built. Many local groups on the island still benefit from these efforts today.

What Happens at the Festival?

The Garlic Festival is packed with exciting things to see and do! There are over 250 stalls selling all sorts of interesting foods. You can try unique treats like garlic beer, garlic seafood, and even garlic ice cream! There are also many other delicious local foods.

The main attraction is the Garlic Marquee. Here, you'll find the Isle of Wight's famous Golden Clove garlic. This includes a popular oak-smoked kind. There's also a theatre kitchen where chefs give cooking demonstrations. You can learn new recipes and see how to use garlic in creative ways.

The festival also features lots of entertainment. You can enjoy live music from famous artists and local bands. There are thrilling shows from mountain bike daredevils. You might even see Bob Hogg's racing sheep! Plus, there's a fun fair and other family attractions. It's a great day out for everyone!