Hat making 'extravaganza' coming to seaside town

A hat making extravaganza is coming to Sandown as the Isle of Wight seaside town prepares for its regatta this summer.

The Regatta Hat Factory will open its doors on Sandown High Street from Wednesday, July 17.

Budding hat makers will be able to drop in for free, creative inspiration over four weeks, leading up to regatta in August.

Sandown Carnival chair, Paul Coueslant, said: "We were delighted to bring back the tradition of hat-wearing at Sandown Bay Regatta last year.

‘"Our hat making workshops supported by Arts Council England were incredibly popular and often oversubscribed.

"It was clear the community wanted more, so we’re really stepping up what we can offer the town’s residents and visitors this year."

Here's how to book a session to The Regatta Hat Factory

To apply to book a session to The Regatta Hat Factory, email hello@boojumandsnark.co.uk.

Island and mainland artists have come on board as part of the hat making fun, with a brief to create spectacular headwear for the Grand Regatta Hat Parade on Sunday, August 11.

Sandown Carnival is working in partnership with Boojum & Snark to set up the Hat Factory.

Project manager, Tracy Mikich, said: "Last year, we saw some amazing giant hats inspired by legendary hatwearer Gertrude Shilling, the Mascot of Ascot.

"This year, we're turning the spotlight on Sandown.

"We've invited creative practitioners to capture the essence of Sandown's heritage, culture, and unique nature and come up with a new collection of big, eye-catching headwear.

"The results will be shown off at the summer carnival parades as well as the regatta, and they’ll feature in an exhibition at the Quay Arts Centre later this year’.

The Regatta Hat Factory at 105 High Street, Sandown PO36 8AF will be open Wednesdays to Sundays, midday to 8pm, through to the weekend of August 10 and 11.