Cowes Week 1st-8th
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. It now stages up to 40 daily races for over 1,000 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. cowesweek.co.uk Flowers by Candlelight, every Wednesday On the first four Wednesdays in August at dusk, Bournemouth Gardens are transformed into a magical world of twinkling lights, thanks to this century-old tradition, where children use tapers to light their own candles in pretty-coloured jars.

Bournemouth Carnival Week 2nd-9th
Originally known as Bournemouth Regatta week, this carnival dates back the late 1800s. There have been many changes, especially in the last 40 years, both in title and types of event. Duck races, bug hunts, fancy dress and live bands are just some of the attractions. Visit bournemouthcarnival.org.uk for the full programme.

The 2009 Melplash Show 27th Local farmers and producers showcase their wares and visitors get to participate in and learn about farming and rural life by the sea. A special attraction will be the air display by The Yakovlevs, four Yak aircraft performing tight formations, graceful aerobatic manoeuvres and death-defying head to head passes. See reporter Gavin Haine’s take on Yak flying and watch his wing walk video by clicking here