It’s a paradox that we believe, unlikely as it sounds, makes our Island coastal town a strong candidate to be UK Town of Culture 2028. So we applied. And in July 2026 – to our huge delight and surprise – Sandown was chosen from almost 400 entrants across the country as one of only 15 finalists who’re now in the running to win the competition.
Over the coming weeks, we’re working on Sandown’s plans to stage a major arts and science festival in two years’ time. It’s an exciting chance to showcase the town’s extraordinary talent and potential…and win £3 million to help shape the future of the place where we live, work and play.
We call ourselves Sandown’s Tide Turners – and we’d love you to join us.
*in the style of Lewis Carroll an amalgamation of the words shabby and wonderful.
Story by Anmarie Bowler inspired by the Sandown Town of Culture WhatsApp Group
The government has taken its latest step in renewing the country by launching the first ever UK Town of Culture competition. Announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025, the competition gives communities across the country a platform to tell their unique story and spotlights the vital role towns play in our national life.
Towns will be judged on three main criteria:
the unique story of the town
how the town will design a cultural programme for all
how the town will then deliver a successful programme
An independent expert advisory panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond will assess all shortlisted towns.
All the shortlisted towns will submit their bids by November 30th and then the winner will be announced in spring 2027.
I had never taken part in the Sandown Grand Hat Parade before, and subtlety wasn’t really on the agenda. I wanted to make something enormous, slightly absurd and impossible to ignore. Hence the giant orange octopus. Making it became a shared effort, working alongside other makers at Graft Studios, exchanging ideas and enjoying the process. That’s what made it worthwhile. There’s something rather special about Sandown, a town that gives people an excuse to come together, be inventive and make a spectacle of themselves.
Looking back, I’ve lived so many different lives in this one place: disco-dancer, Wren, chambermaid, wife, mum, and friend. Over the years, my story has tangled with so many others, building a web of deep connections, lifelong bonds, and an extended family who share that history. I still meet up once a month with old friends, and it’s wonderfully fun and stupid. We’re still young, though older; changed, yet always connected. I’ve also developed a deep bond with the sea. Walking along the seafront, it feels like every day is different, rain or shine. This landscape always manages to look both new and familiar. The sea has become so important to me. It is very grounding, and I feel calmed and soothed by its ebb and flow.
Every year at the Sandown Regatta, someone wears a giant hat shaped like an upturned 99 ice cream. A fallen cone is usually useless, the reason for countless tantrums and tears, so it’s wonderful to see this relatable seaside drama remade into a bit of absurd wearable art. I think the Sandown Upturned Cone is saying we might never bring back the golden days of bucket-and-spade tourism, but we can create a bright, fun-filled future. Yes, we’re clowning around, but we’re the ones creating the joke and people are laughing with us, not at us.
All seasons, all weather. That pink neon sign at the end of Sandown Pier welcomes me in: ‘A Whole Day’s Fun In One!’ I’ve got a pocketful of change. I’m here for some 2p coin pusher action. “Take a ride in my beautiful balloon” I am serenaded by songs, sounds, colour and motion as the 2p’s fall. The prize moves ever closer to the edge. “She flies like a bird in the sky” But wait. My 2p pot is running low! Can I win a Fuggler key ring before the coins run out? Just a few more 2p’s should do it… YES! The prize drops into the chute. In that moment I am happy. I am triumphant. I am content.
When I was about ten or eleven years old, back in 1962, my dad, mum, and younger sister went on holiday to the Isle of Wight from Hackney. My dad must have saved up very hard; he was a London cabbie. We stayed at the Ocean Hotel. During an evening meal, a couple sitting across the room sent over a bottle of wine to our table. That started a new friendship for my mum and dad and the couple, Beryl and Frank. This friendship, which began in Sandown, lasted over 50 years until they all passed away.
There’s a tile on the wall along the Esplanade which says simply:
Rita and Leslie Merrick
Beryl and Frank Barnes
Met in Sandown
Little did I know then that I would end up living my retirement on this beautiful island, in the lovely seaside town of Sandown.
Since moving to Sandown, I have been involved with the Green Town Volunteers, gardening, litter picking, and, of course, participating in the carnival. Last year, we won the Spirit of Carnival prize. I was dressed up as Uncle Bulgaria; fortunately, it wasn’t a really hot day. I remember kids of all ages loved to high-five me as I walked past. It was a fantastic atmosphere, lots of smiles, cheers, and laughter. I felt exhilarated and truly part of the community. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be the type of person to wear fancy dress for a carnival. All I can say is, Sandown, you made me do it!
Growing up in Sandown, I don’t think I fully appreciated how much the town would shape me as an artist. Looking back now, I can see it for the wonderfully unique place it is, full of character, creativity and potential. I just wish I’d been able to see that as a teenager. There are so many talented, creative and ambitious young people in Sandown, and they deserve the opportunity to explore those talents close to home. Investing in the town’s creative community would give young people the support, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive.
