Feedback from participants and visitors alike has judged the Wight in Westminster Day (dubbed Wightminster) which took place last Thursday (17th October) a resounding success.
The event, organised by the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, in conjunction with Visit Isle of Wight’s Chief Executive, David Thornton, was designed to showcase all that is great about the Isle of Wight to leading travel and food journalists, prospective investors, Ministers and MPs and other strategically invited guests.
Mr Turner said:
“Lots of careful planning went in to the day to ensure we had the right mix of commercial opportunities, food and drink and tourism to show invited guests that the Isle of Wight is not just a great place to visit but also a fantastic place to live, work and play. I think we did that and did it very well. It was hard work but all the feedback from everybody has shown it was well worth it. This was the first such event put on by the Island but I’m sure it won’t be the last.
”We also caused much amusement with the Parliamentary authorities when trying to get permission to get a 6ft high dinosaur through security into Westminster Hall. In the end that proved impossible – but it certainly raised the profile of the event.”
During the course of the day over 200 visitors were able to talk to representatives from Visit Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight Council, the Island’s Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses whilst sampling the finest Isle of Wight food and drink prepared by local chefs. Ventnor Business Association put together a stand in the form of a beach hut demonstrating a sample of what just one of the great resorts on the Island has to offer. Paul Topping of Isle of Wight Radio interviewed key people throughout the day, including new Tourism Minister, Helen Grant MP, and kept Island listeners abreast of what was going on.
The Wight Strollers in the form of Queen Victoria and her entourage kept visitors ‘not amused’, and Charles Dickens told them about his love for the Isle of Wight. Havenstreet Steam Railway volunteers dressed in period costume as a station master and ticket collector, policed the door to check the invitations of those coming into the event.
Outside the Palace, Shadow, one of the Blackgang Dinosaurs, drew huge crowds of tourists and commuters, and virtually brought traffic to a standstill when he emerged from the Southern Vectis Dinosaur Bus on Westminster Bridge.
Mr Thornton said:
“The recent Westminster event in London was a huge success – and shows what is possible when Island’s businesses and organisation work together. We introduced over 200 Westminster visitors the sight, tastes and themes of the Island and were bowled over by the enthusiasm and affection that our London guests had for the Isle of Wight.
“I am sure that the event is just the beginning of a process that will see the Island’s profile continue to grow in the Capital and across the rest of the country. We are especially looking forward to a visit from the new Tourism Minister Helen Grant MP next year.”
