St. George's Day Celebrations

For the third year in a row Cowes Rotary Club welcomed Island residents and visitors to their St. George's Day Celebration in Northwood Park. A further consecutive weekend of glorious sunshine ensured that the festivities got off to the best possible start when on Friday 20th April enthusiasts joined together at the Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre to enjoy a Big Band Concert with a post-concert supper being laid on thereafter.

Remembering our National Day

The focal point of the weekend was the Grand Fancy Dress procession. This set-off from East Cowes Town Hall at 11am on the Saturday, travelled across the floating bridge, through Cowes High Street and into Northwood Park. On-lookers were treated to a line-up featuring the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, Raw Samba, Greenmount Samba Band, and various other local clubs and organisations, all led by St. George and various dragons!

A whole programme of events followed in Northwood Park, continuing until 4:30 on the Sunday afternoon. Cowes Central Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox and the Town Cowes Mayor officially opened the celebrations accompanied by the Island's MP Andrew Turner. After a performance in the Park by the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, the results of the fancy dress competition were revealed, with presentations being given to the winners by Cllr. Peacey-Wilcox.

A weekend of festivities with all the charm of a spring garden party

Country Dancing featuring various Island Primary School pupils and North West Morris Dancing by the Wight Bells followed a display of dancing by the Oyster Girls Morris. Other activities included a children's party in the dance marquee, a Shakespearean Pageant by students from Cowes High School, a battle re-enactment by the Wolfguard Viking Group and the widely anticipated Tug-of-War tournament where two teams fought against one another to be in with a chance of winning the Rotary Challenge Shield. Island High School pupils plus members of the IW Art Club used Northwood House within which to display an impressive art exhibition.

A wide selection of catering and refreshment offerings were available from the likes of Fat Pappas Pizzas, Rinaldo's Pig Roast, Calbourne Classics Ice Cream and Cakes, the Ice Cream Plaza and Candy Floss. Combined with groups of people lazing about on the grass underneath the blossom tress, the event conjured-up images of a spring garden party. There were many Island trade and craft stalls doted around the grounds, and sideshows such as Coconut Shy, Archery and Swing Boats to keep both children and adults alike entertained. All of this ensured that Northwood Park remained a bustling hive of activity for the duration of the entire weekend.

An authentic re-enactment of days gone by

Throughout Sunday 22nd April, Northwood House played home to a collectibles and antiques fair, whilst a display of classic cars and motorcycles could be found outside in the park. The IW Youth Concert Band led the programme of live performances for the day, followed by a Mummers Show and display of Morris Dancing by the Baker's Dozen. Visitors to the grounds were invited to join in the activities to be found within the Carnival Workshop Truck with children being given the opportunity to have their faces painted by the Northwood Ranger Guides.

Entry to the St. Georges Day celebrations was completely free with all donations collected given to local charities. Last year more than £5000,00 was raised and it is very much hoped that the Rotary will be successful in exceeding this figure in 2007. Please click here to learn more about the Cowes Rotary group.

Showing our support for St. George

Other countries all over the world celebrate their patron saint or have other days, the closest to us and probably the most well known is Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland. This day is celebrated all over the UK and also widely in the USA. In Scotland, Burns night is an annual event held in memory of the well-celebrated Scottish poet; Robert Burns. Unfortunately over the years St. George's Day has become somewhat less recognised across the UK. It was therefore inspiring to see so many people getting behind the Cowes Rotary Club to reawaken awareness of our national day in true style.

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