WHEN the Isle of Wight Festival was cancelled, Newport's Beaulieu House decided to have its own festival fun.

The children's respite centre is a vital lifeline for families living with severe and challenging disabilities and behaviours.

It held a mini festival - complete with paint, pop-up tents, bouncy castles, outdoor festival games, decorations and musical equipment.

Isle of Wight Festival's John Giddings was among those backing the event.

He said: “We were thrilled that Beaulieu took the inspiration from the festival and organised such a successful mini event in our absence this year. We look forward to seeing them all again in 2021, when the event returns for what promises to be one of the best ever.”

Senior care assistant Tanya Moorton took the organisational centre stage, alongside carer and artist, Claire Rees and trustee Tony Wake. Even mascot the Beaulieu bee was buzzing around.

Tony said: “The children and young people have been greatly affected by lockdown and not being able to lead their normal lives. They really enjoy the IW Festival, which is also a great fundraiser for our charity, so there was a lot of disappointment when it was cancelled.

“But the way the Beaulieu community rallied around the mini-festival idea was really wonderful.

“The event was a great success and the kids loved it ­— as did the adults.

"It was a fabulous day, and it's got everyone especially looking forward to the real thing next year.”

The home is a council-run facility but relies on volunteers and charitable donations, primarily through the Beaulieu Respite charity, to provide other leisure and social activities and also some equipment.