CARISBROOKE Castle was the focal point for this year's Isle of Wight Day celebrations, as visitors gathered at the historic landmark to enjoy a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment and activities.

On Saturday, as many as 4,000 Islanders celebrated the occasion ­— a day for the community to come together and celebrate everything that is great about the Island ­— by visiting one of its most iconic locations.

The Island Games teams ­— fresh from Gibraltar ­— gave demonstrations, including a closed shooting range, while the scouts hosted nature activities and toasted marshmallows.

Amanda Pickard, English Heritage property manager at the castle, said “We really enjoyed seeing so many people at the castle and being able to experience what an amazing place we have here on the Island. We look forward to welcoming them all back soon."

There was a vintage fairground, bouncy castle and cardboard castle building, plus human table football ­— an eight-minute, five-a-side game where players took to the rails of a lifesize table pitch, holding onto the bars and kicking their way to victory.

Children could learn about the pirate life, meet Enchanted Isle princesses, have their faces painted and get crafty at the castle.

Islanders were also encouraged to take part in the Big Coastal Clean-Up, with the 7ft tall crab mascot, Nipper, leading the initiative.

With beach cleans taking place all over the Island, as many as 40 volunteers joined the Wightlink-led beach clean, with a dozen sacks full of rubbish collected from the area around Ryde Pier and the beach towards Appley.

Unusual items found included a toy gun, a bowling pin, diving mask, goggles and various items of clothing.

"It was a beautiful morning, and it was really nice to have so many Wightlink people ­— many with families ­— coming together to do a bit of good for the environment," said Wightlink's Louise Lea.

Sunday saw another sell-out crowd at Cowes Enterprise College attending the annual Songs of Praise concert featuring the 75-strong Isle of W Symphony Orchestra and an 80-strong choir made up of the Medina Community Choir, the Cantus Vesperi Choir and the children’s choir from Carisbrooke Primary.

Robin Courage, founder of Isle of Wight Day, said: “This fourth Isle of Wight Day lived up to all expectations and it was wonderful to see so many families entering into the spirit of the day.

The next Isle of Wight Day will be held on Saturday, September 19.

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