At Your Leisure

Get crafty with the kids this Halloween and make these spooky spider’s webs with Sara Whatley

Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows to get stuck into in October...

Your guide to the best local events happening across the island in September...

This month brings us murder, mythology, meals and maturing child-fiction characters

A mixture of comedy, politics and thriller to keep you intrigued and engaged, this month.

The Kings Theatre are delighted to announce that Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson is to play the title role of Dick Whittington in this year’s Pompey Panto.

The ground that surrounds Carisbrooke Castle is a popular walk with dog owners and locals – and connects to lots of onward walks around rural Carisbrooke, with its stunning views and watering holes.

As the year fully gets into its stride, why not immerse yourself in a new yarn from this selection of great offerings…

There’s no place like Mayflower Theatre when it comes to putting on a production to wow audiences. And this adaption of The Wizard of Oz, fresh from The London Palladium, is no exception.

This is one in a series of five walks, by Wootton Bridge Parish Council, designed to help you explore some of Wootton Bridge’s history and beautiful surroundings.

If you’re finding a bit more time on your hands after a busy Christmas and New Year, January’s book selections have a selection of murder, the monarchy and healthy new recipes!

Mayflower Theatre knows how to put on a panto –  and this year has to be my favourite so far.

Nordic Pole Walking (NPW) is quite unique in that it provides benefits for everybody, from those with medical problems to the super fit. Whatever your age, fitness level or goal, Nordic Pole Walking is suitable, effective and enjoyable.

There’s nothing quite like a Pompey Panto to start the festive season in style.

Ahead of Mayflower Theatre's 2023 pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, we found out what panto means to The Man in the Mirror, Christopher Biggins.

This year’s Pompey Panto was officially launched onboard the HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as the cast arrived on a vintage Pompey bus!

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the October edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

This route will take you along village pathways and through woodland for a gentle stroll, with some stunning views. Perfect for getting some fresh summer air in your lungs.

For August, a selection of relaxing reads, perfect company for time spent relaxing on beach somewhere.

Direct from the West End, The Drifters Girl arrives at Mayflower Theatre this month, ahead of a tour of the UK and Ireland.

We got a golden ticket to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Mayflower Theatre this summer – and what a treat we had in store.

Did you or a relative attend school in Cowes, Northwood or Gurnard? Or maybe you were a teacher?

Take a summer stroll around the beautiful Newtown Creek, passing by the historic Town Hall and the iconic Newtown bridge.

For June, five releases that combine romance, rock, and restorative justice.

This month we’re walking Queen Victoria’s Town Trail through East Cowes, which is funded by the East Cowes Community Partnership.

For March, Adele Trathan has selected four new book releases that will entertain, engage and heal the soul.

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the March edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

This month, we’re taking advantage of the promise of sunshine – and heading down the seafront in East Wight!

We take a look at four books that will weave a fictional spell this month...

Dating is not easy, and even when you think you’ve found the right person, trying to organise the perfect first date to sweep them off their feet can be a stressful ordeal.

There's two great new movies coming to your tellybox this weekend. Here's what to watch and where to watch it...

Audition applications are now open for the 2023 Easter production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at Kings Theatre.

Here's the latest movie and TV releases coming to a screen near you in the next few days...

This gentle riverside walk is perfect for a Sunday afternoon — finishing with a warm drink, or pub lunch at the newly renovated Folly Inn.

Christmas hasn’t officially begun until you’ve been to panto – and Pompey knows how to do pantomime in style. 

Following the success of their first Isle of Wight show earlier this year, My Darling Clementine is coming back to the Island by popular demand.

Harp on Wight have announced a very impressive line-up for their ninth annual festival — which returns this weekend.

Nothing says autumn better than stomping through crunchy leaves on a walk around your local forest.

Join Tapnell for Spooky Farm Fun this October Half Term...with additional fun activities in the Farm Park to keep your little ones entertained.

As part of its ongoing commitment to make the theatre available and affordable to everybody, The Kings Theatre has released 16,500 seats for the Christmas pantomime “Cinderella” at just £10 each and this comes in addition to the launch of The Kings Theatre Arts Academy and a £25,000 Scholarship Scheme.

A tragic tale from 1916 war-torn France, combined with a modern day love story — The Girl You Left Behind is like no book I’ve ever read before. 

Fancy a movie night? How about one of these popular new releases, available to watch via most streaming services.

As the Isle of Wight Walking Festival makes its autumnal return, we’re bringing you details of their fascinating history walk inspired by The Lost Crypt Escape Room, Aspire Ryde.

First Dates favourite, Grant Urquhart, has joined the cast of Kings Theatre's upcoming and 88th pantomime, to star as the handsome Prince Charming.

This circular walk along the River Medina can be joined at any point along the route.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist and much loved former EastEnders star, Maisie Smith, will make her musical theatre debut later this month, as she co-stars in the UK tour of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical — alongside her former Strictly dance partner, Kevin Clifton.

This gentle walk down country lanes and through urban streets is ideal for those looking for something relatively easy.

Created and adapted for television by Dolly Alderton and inspired by her own wildly funny, occasionally heartbreaking, internationally bestselling memoir of the same name, Everything I Know About Love gives an unflinching account of surviving your 20s.

Don your own oxygen mask and embrace a weekend just for you.

Rhythmtree is back next month at its new site on Sticelett Farm, Thorness Bay.

This month's Isle of Wight walk takes you from Ryde to Cowes, through iconic places visited by Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Queen Victoria before her.

As we head into the warmest months of the year, why not enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Isle of Wight coast.

Ever considered Model Engineering as a hobby? Well, now's your chance to find out what it's all about!

Here's our pick of fantastic fiction to ease you through the summer sun.

Every Thursday evening, from 6pm-9.30pm, join the Tapnell Farm Park team for The Island’s Biggest Kids’ Party!

This month we're enjoying the Niton to Newchurch section of The River Yar walk, courtesy of Island Rivers.

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the March edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

Join The Wight Strollers as they journey to London Town with Dick Whittington and his cat, in a fun-packed tale full of laughter, live music, and panto magic!

A night of live music at Shanklin Theatre tonight (Sunday) will pay homage to legendary Isle of Wight journalist and broadcaster, John Hannam.

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the February edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

Speedway is back at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde.

A good read for every occasion.

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the September edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

The Warrior Trail is a stunning walk bursting with history, forest strolls and sea views. Its name comes from famous war horse, Warrior, who fought in World War One alongside General Jack Seely – and incredibly, its path forms the shape of a horse head.

Love exploring new places and really missing that sense of adventure in your life while we're in lockdown? We've found 15 fascinating places that you can explore from the comfort of your own home instead.

Heart-warming comedy, Made in Italy, is set in glorious Tuscany. Bohemian London artist Robert (Liam Neeson) who returns to Italy with his estranged son Jack (Michael Richardson) to make a quick sale of the house they inherited from his late wife. Neither expects to find the once beautiful villa in such a state of disrepair...

Think you know the Isle of Wight like the back of your hand? We're going to put you to the test by giving you ten Isle of Wight road names to unscramble.

Always feeling like they have to say no to their kids and co-workers, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a Yes Day — where for 24 hours the kids make the rules.

Feel like you need a new series to get you through the next few weeks in lockdown? Here's the lowdown on six of the most talked about shows on Netflix this week.

A beautiful story about a feisty 86-year-old, desperate to embark on one final great adventure.

Want to keep the kids entertained during lockdown? Hanna Prince offers some suggestions with these family-friendly indoor activities.

You may remember Beacon Magazine running a feature on Island author, Crawford Ivin, at the launch of his debut novel The Story of Four Islands.

Find out the answers to last month's Spot the Difference competition — and check whether you're one of our lucky winners!

In need of a little light-hearted humour to pass the next few weeks? Then grab a copy of Bits and Blogs by Island author, Poppy Fields.

Looking forward to December? Get the fire going, pour yourself a hot chocolate and curl up with these festive favourites...

Earlier in the year, I switched over from a manual bike to an electric, not really knowing what to expect.

You might be feeling disappointed at the recent temporary closure of Cineworld, but don't forget you can still head over to Ryde and support your local independent Commodore Cinema, or snuggle up at home for a family movie night.

We give our top tips on the colours to wear for the season ahead.

Find out the answers to last month's Spot the Difference competition — and check whether you're one of our lucky winners!

We’re making the most of this beautiful Island by getting out into the great outdoors. And what better excuse could there be to gather up the family for a crisp winter walk, than having a finish point with a cosy fireplace, a list of real ales and roast dinners. And this Island has them in abundance.

Safe to say it’s been a strange few months. Locked down, unable to see friends and only able to exercise for an hour a day on your own, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out the answers to last month's Spot the Difference competition — and check whether you're one of our lucky winners!

This is a painfully honest account of an anorexic, who suffered from depression, OCD, bulimia and anxiety.

Healthy, radiant and glowing skin is our number one beauty goal this summer. Thankfully the cosmetics market has us covered.

This year’s Osborne Run is the latest Mountbatten event to be hit by the Coronavirus pandemic, but the hospice has organised a new cycling challenge this summer.

A heartwarming story of missed opportunities, love lessons and second chances.

Brave theatregoers, with a love of ghost stories, should head over to Kings Theatre this week, while London’s West End production of The Woman in Black is in town.

Although this book is ostensibly light reading about three women in their thirties, it’s really about the power of social media and the devastating effect one brief clip on YouTube can have on someone’s life.