Isle of Wight residents urged to be ready, steady, Wight for new Wight Games Festival!
A brand-new summer celebration of sport, games and community spirit, called the Wight Games Festival, will benefit the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity and two other Island charities.
Between June and August 2026, the Wight Games Festival promises a joyful mash-up of traditional sports, games and quirky activities.
It is the creation of multi-platinum selling music star, Mike Christie from G4, who is also known for setting up Cowes's Wight Proms Festival. The actor, composer, singer and songwriter is proud to call the Island his home. He recently announced plans for a sushi cafe in Cowes.
What to expect from the Wight Games Festival 2026
The Wight Games Festival will bring together everything from sailing, cricket, chess and tennis to a colouring competition. It will even include (the wonderfully ridiculous) welly wanging.
From Roman-era board games at Brading Roman Villa to a fancy dress fun run with Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity, there will also be indoor curling, and darts with the WI.
How can I take part in the Wight Games Festival 2026?
Free to enter, the Wight Games Festival will encourage donations, with fundraising shared equally between the Isle of Wight NHS Trust charity, Mountbatten Isle of Wight and Independent Arts.
Details of participating clubs and events will be revealed in the run up to the summer event. For more, visit the Wight Games Festival website.
Kate Sandys, Head of Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity said;
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Wight Games Festival 2026. Alongside our very own fun run, we know events are taking place across the Isle of Wight, and we can't wait to be involved. As the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity, we support St Mary's hospital in Newport, to enhance patient care, support our ambulance service, and our staff.”
“Working alongside Mike Christie and our fellow Charity Champions, we are committed to ensuring that all fundraising supports three incredible Isle of Wight based charities. A wonderful mix of fun, and fundraising to support local causes!”
Designed as an all-inclusive celebration, the Wight Games Festival aims to offer something for everyone — whether you are a club regular or complete beginner. Keen to try something new? From your mind to your muscles, and from weights to wellbeing, there will be something for you.
“It gives me enormous joy to give something back to the Island community," said Mike Christie.
"The Isle of Wight is packed with extraordinary clubs, groups and individuals doing brilliant things and the Wight Games Festival is our chance to showcase that incredible variety.
“I wanted to create something where absolutely everyone can take part in something that interests them, whether it’s a traditional sport they already love or something completely unexpected that they haven’t even tried before.
“It’s about rethinking what we see as a ‘sport’, making the Wight Games Festival fully accessible, bringing people together and, at the same time, raising money for three extremely important local charities which do amazing work on our Island.”
