Chale Show

A topical mix of horticultural exhibits, continuous arena events, static displays, community projects and helicopter rides combined together to ensure that the Chale Show was once again triumphant in leading the way for a month of popular summer shows across the Island.

With its roots dating right back to 1920, this year's event was held over the weekend of the 4th and 5th August on Chale Recreation Ground, just off the Military Road in Chale. This, the 81st annual show, was blessed with the first weekend of summer brilliant sunshine the Island has seen in recent times - ensuring a super day out for all the family. Organised by Chale Horticultural Society, the Chale Show has grown considerably throughout the past few years owing to the invaluable help of local people and Island organisations, but magnificently still retains the nostalgia of the old village show.

Spirits were flying sky-high

As the typically sleepy village of Chale opened its gates to welcome visitors from far and wide across the whole Island and beyond, few would have anticipated such a fantastic turnout as people of ages arrived in droves to show their support for this 'very local' event. It was down to Daniel Whitby and Samsun Eaton of the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team to fill the top slot in the main arena this year with their incredible motorcycle display stunts. Based upon the latest moves in motorcross and extreme sports action, the 45 minute shows performed twice daily were centred around the world's largest and most sophisticated landing ramp. This enabled the riders to jump gaps of more than 75ft and to perform tricks which saw them quite literally flying off of their seats in mid air!

If the roar of the motorcycles and the awesome sight of the bikes lurching upwards into the summer sky wasn't enough, the Chale Show once again delivered upon its reputation as the only Island show to offer helicopter rides; two of which could be seen taking off at regular intervals throughout the course of both days. Passengers on board were able to experience breathtaking views of the showground, Chale village and its surrounding area from the high above.

An Island show where local talent was top of the agenda

Back down on the ground, a full 20,000 square feet of attractions including more than 1000 exhibits were available for people to browse around at their leisure. These included the well renowned horticultural marquee with horticultural exhibits, antique and craft fairs coupled with an indoor bargain market, art exhibition and farmers market. Static displays including traction engines, historic vehicles, vintage tractors and military vehicles were rolled out into the main arena and paraded in front of a fascinated audience amidst a running commentary from each of their drivers.

The Isle of Wight Cage Bird Society's marquee aviary presented visitors to the show with an amazing display of birds from all over the world. Various other Island clubs and societies including the Ventnor Doll's House display, the IW Rifles, IW Metal Detecting Club and the IW Fire Engine Preservation Society were also represented at the event. Local craftspeople were given an ideal opportunity to showcase their wares and with several large marquees packed full of craft exhibits and local trade stands, it was almost overwhelming to realise just how many talented groups and individuals we have here on the Island.

Homegrown produce to be proud of

It goes without saying that year-on-year no one should visit the Chale Show without taking some time out from the numerous other activities on offer to witness for themselves the marvels contained within the Horticultural marquee. Bursting with record entries from a whole range of categories from fruit to flowers, cookery to crafts and wine to the weird and wonderful - it was all there for spectators to delight in. This year a children's class also existed, comprising of some superb examples of young creative minds.

If the Horticultural exhibits left visitors to the show looking for a snack or a bite to eat, they were in luck because even more specialist food outlets had been introduced by the organisers of the Chale Show in order to cater for all tastes. A beer tent and barbeque, tea tent and pig roast, traditional sandwich maker and corn on the cob supplier were dotted around the grounds, to name but a few.

With musical entertainment from Wight Diamonds on Saturday and the Medina Marching Band who performed with special guests the Coburg Band from Germany, on the Sunday; parents were able to take time out to bask in the glorious surroundings. In the meantime, children were catered for thanks to Matt Splatt and his clown friends performing circus skills and David Randini's magic set.

The weekend was rounded off with the traditional prize giving ceremony and Auction of exhibit produce on Sunday allowing many happy show-goers the chance to take home some of the incredible horticultural items they had been captivated by earlier on in the day. With so much to do and with so much support behind it, it's easy to see why the Chale Show has defied the years in order to return every summer without fail to keep us entertained.

Back to the Top