Isle of Wight event Appley Day proved popular including beach events

Sea hiking, rowing machine competitions, a treasure hunt and a new play all featured this year – an annual celebration of Ryde’s Appley Park and beach, packed with different things to do for all ages.

Appley Day saw residents take part in clay sculpture making, nature activities, tree climbing and land art, thanks to the support of local organisations including New Carnival, Oakfield Church of England Primary School, Natural Enterprise and Goodleaf Tree Climbing.

Entertainment extended to the seafront, where visitors could enjoy a performance from Appley Tower Players, litter pick with Planet Aware, compete in a sand art competition with Monkton Arts, and sea swimming and hiking with Outdoor Swimming Isle of Wight.

2nd Ryde Sea Scouts instruct Cllr Richard May, Mayor of Ryde, on how to use a trebuchet. Picture by Holly Jolliffe. (Image: Holly Jolliffe)

Ryde Town Council offered free paddleboard and kayak sessions, spoke to residents about accessibility and the beach, and arranged a performance by the Wonderfell Theatre Company.

The wildlife of the park and beach were represented by local conservation organisations including Bird Aware Solent, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Isle of Wight Natural History Society, and Save our Hedgehogs Isle of Wight.

Wonderfell Theatre Company 'Travelling Tales'. Picture by Holly Jolliffe. (Image: Holly Jolliffe.)

The day was organised by local group Friends of Appley, and Abi Fox for the voluntary organisation said: “We’d like to thank everyone who supported Appley Day 2023 and embraced the relaxed community spirit of the day.

“It was wonderful to see people enjoying the park, learning new things about their local environment, and simply having fun outdoors!”