Events diary

Most seaside towns in the Isle of Wight have their own annual carnival week, a tradition that dates back to Victorian times when competition for the tourist farthing was fierce. There's probably still a smidgeon of boasting rights about who has the biggest floats, and who got there first to book the sea shanty singing group. Yarmouth's bid to claim the carnival crown takes place on the third week of August.

The events kick off (literally) with a "fun" run (yes we know they rhyme, but in our opinion those two words have no business belonging together like that) and a display of classic cars. There will be a dog show with some 'interesting' categories which will certainly appeal if (like us) you have a pooch that normally stands no chance of winning anything. There's usually a duck or a boat race of sorts, and a teddy bears picnic on the Friday. Rio Carnival this is not.

There is a parade of floats on the last Saturday, which can be fun to watch. Expect the simmering political tensions among the townsfolk to erupt during the judging session.