September LGBTQ+ Meet-up @ Department, Ryde
2025-09-06 10:30 - 13:30 UTC | Department, 29-30 Cross Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2AA, United Kingdom
Come along to Out on an Island’s regular LGBTQ+ meet-up, held on the first Saturday of each month.
We meet at Department in Ryde, in the Fitting Room on the first floor. This is an accessible venue, with a lift to the first floor, and dogs are also welcome. There is free tea and coffee, or you can buy drinks and food from the lovely on-site cafe.
This month’s meeting will be on Saturday 6 September from 10.30am. We also informally discuss our new Historic England-funded project, Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories, investigating the hidden heritage of Ryde’s Union Street. Everyone is welcome to join and share any memories they might have.
About Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories:

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories aims to uncover the hidden heritage of Ryde’s Union Street and a number of venues there, some of which no longer exist or operate under a new name. Eventually, the findings will be displayed in creative ways for people to learn about Ryde’s LGBTQ+ history.

Our heritage spaces can sometimes seem expensive and inaccessible, whereas this new community-led project aims to investigate everyday people and locations. All events and creative activities are free to attend and welcome to all.

StoneCrabs will work alongside the community to research previously overlooked stories, and will host informal discussions and sessions for people to enjoy. This will be an opportunity to meet new LGBTQ+ people and to learn about Ryde’s LGBTQ+ history.

Time for T & NB
2025-09-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Isle of Wight
We have a lovely venue for this new group, Time for T & NB. We welcome anyone who is trans, non-binary or questioning their gender.
Our meeting takes place on Wednesday September 17 from 6pm to 8pm.
Please contact Caroline Diamond for information, including about the venue, on caroline@stonecrabs.co.uk / 07786 080203.

Mew in Newport: A Performed Walk
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Yellowfin Propeller Sculpture, Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BD, United Kingdom
Join us for an immersive experience exploring the life and works of the remarkable poet, Charlotte Mew.
Charlotte Mew, a poet who is rarely celebrated, will show visitors around Newport. Mew will talk of her past on the island and how it inspired her work. Told through her spirit, the performance will chart her ultimately tragic life and give her poetry the recognition it deserves.
Our tour will take you through the charming streets of Newport, starting at the Yellowfin Propeller opposite Quay Arts (what3words: ///dumpling.marmalade.dabble), then meandering up to St Thomas Square. We will stop briefly in Waterstones, once the Bugle Inn, owned by Mew’s family. The final stop will be a special visit to the Museum of Island History at the Guildhall which is opening its doors as part of the Heritage Open Day.
The walk will take approximately 50 minutes and is on flat ground. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and suitable shoes for walking.
Tickets are available here.
Written by Katie Daysh
Performed by Hillard Morley
Directed by Rebecca Tremain
Creative Producer Franko Figueiredo, StoneCrabs Theatre
The Performed Walk project from StoneCrabs Theatre is a series of four guided tours around the Isle of Wight focusing on LGBTQ+ historical figures associated with the island. Other events follow in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde in Ryde, Virginia Woolf in Freshwater, and Ferguson’s Gang in Newtown.
You can read more about the project on the StoneCrabs blog page.
The project is made possible by Community Lottery Fund, Isle of Wight Heritage Services and in collaboration with Queer Heritage and Collections Network Creative Projects programme supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Off Book Drama in the Library for 13 to 18 year olds
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Sandown Library, 119 High Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8AF, United Kingdom
Are you 13 to 18 years old?
Creatives, theatre lovers, storytellers join us!
No experience needed, just your imagination and a willingness to try.
Join Off Book Drama Group at Sandown Library and discover how to turn experiences, ideas and stories into powerful performances. Through fun games, creative play and storytelling , you’ll build confidence, express yourself, and make new friends.
Drama helps you get better at thinking on your feet, speaking confidently, and working with all kinds of people. Useful for real life, not just the stage stuff.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Sandown Library
Tuesdays, 5–6.30pm
Starts 23 September
Limited places available, sign up for try out sessions now.

Off Book Drama in the Library for 8 to 12 year olds
2025-09-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Ryde Library, George Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2JE, United Kingdom
Do you know a young person 8 – 12 year old who might like to take part in ongoing FREE drama sessions?
Every week at Ryde Library at our Off Book Drama Group, young imaginations will take centre stage. Through drama games, storytelling, and creative play, children aged 8–12 will invent characters, act out adventures, and build confidence while having fun.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Ryde Library
Wednesdays, 5–6.30pm
Starts 24 September
Limited places
Led by StoneCrabs Theatre, these workshops are designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and help with conflict resolution and self-expression. Drama sessions encourage original thinking, problem-solving, focus and concentration and improve language skills.
This is also a chance for children to share their ideas and see them come to life in a structured environment where they can experiment without judgment.
Book now, spaces fill quickly!

Time for T & NB
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Isle of Wight
We have a lovely venue for this new group, Time for T & NB. We welcome anyone who is trans, non-binary or questioning their gender.
Our meeting takes place on Monday October 13 from 6pm to 8pm.
Please contact Caroline Diamond for information, including about the venue, on caroline@stonecrabs.co.uk / 07786 080203.
