03 Aug 2012 Last updated at 00:00

Opportunity to run Cowes Parade activities during regatta

The chance to run a prime waterfront location during the annual world famous sailing regatta, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, is being offered to companies and organisations.

Expressions of interest are being sought by the Isle of Wight Council for suitably experienced companies to set up and run the Parade Village from 2013. It is a key venue for members of the public to view activities afloat and to mingle with crews socialising after a day’s racing.

The Parade Village is one of a number of shoreside venues providing entertainment, retail outlets and food and drink during the week-long regatta. It is a hub of activity surrounded by yacht clubs and is also one of the prime viewing points for the traditional firework display that takes place on the final Friday of the event, which attracts tens of thousands of people to watch the spectacle.
  
As the current arrangement comes to an end after this year’s event, the council is seeking a company or organisation to enter into a three year agreement to deliver entertainment, food and drink and retail on Cowes Parade and Esplanade for the duration of the regatta from 2013.

Cowes is known as the home of yachting and the Cowes Week regatta is vital to maintaining and enhancing this reputation which helps to boost businesses in the town and on the Island as a whole. The council is keen to support this important event and making The Parade area available for shoreside activities is one of the ways in which it can contribute to the event’s success.

Organisations interested in finding out more about the opportunity to deliver and manage activities and services on The Parade as part of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week from 2013, should email: [email protected]  

The closing date to submit expressions of interest is Friday 14 September 2012.
 

The Parade in Cowes during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (photo by David Harrison)
The Parade in Cowes during Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (photo by David Harrison)
Factfile
  • Cowes Week is one of the UK's longest running sporting events.
  • The regatta has been held in early August every year since 1826, except during the two world wars.
  • Over 1,000 boats race in up to 40 different handicap, one-design and multihull classes every day, for eight days.
 
Cowes Isle of Wight