By Isle of Wight Observer
Wet Leg singer-songwriter, Rhian Teasdale, is backing her home town, Sandown, in its bid to be named the UK’s first Town of Culture.
She said: “Sandown may be a small town on a small Island, but I can tell you first hand that the smallest towns often produce the biggest dreams.”
Sandown was chosen in July as one of 15 finalists from nearly 400 hopefuls across the country. Now in their final weeks of bid preparation, the successful towns are vying for the £3m prize, to be used to stage cultural events in 2028. Two runners-up will each receive £250,000.
Grammy-winner, Rhian, added: “Growing up in Sandown, I don’t think I fully appreciated how much the town would shape me as an artist. I can now 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.
“Investing in the town’s creative community would give young people the support, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Sandown has two months to finalise its 2028 proposals. The bid team is putting together a six-month programme of events, culminating in the Tide Turner Festival, a major celebration of arts and science.
The community will get involved when The Arena, a big top from Ventnor Exchange, arrives in Sandown for a two-week seafront residency at Sandham Gardens. The tent will host Tide Turners on Wednesday, October 21, with a day of entertainment and community engagement, featuring a series of hands-on workshops designed to capture local voices and ideas for the bid.