With the firework finale returning to this year’s Cowes Week, Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council have agreed new traffic arrangements to keep pedestrians and spectators safe and traffic moving during the regatta.
The new arrangements largely mirror those previously in place in 2019, when the traditional firework display that draws thousands of spectators to the town was last held.
Key elements of the traffic plan, which is the responsibility of event organisers Cowes Week Limited and agreed after discussions with Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council, are:
- No vehicular access to the Parade at any time between 10am and 6am. This allows a four-hour delivery slot for businesses daily between 6am and 10am. All access and exit will be via a manned barrier at Castle Road.
- No access at all to the Parade from Bath Road. Traffic will still be able to use Bath Road but must exit via Bars Hill.
- A daily closure of the High Street between Terminus Road and Carvel Lane from 6pm until at least 1am. Red Jet passengers can be dropped off in Terminus Road.
- Queens Road, Egypt Esplanade, Prince’s Esplanade and Woodvale Road will be one way westbound towards The Woodvale.
All the above will come into effect on Friday, July 31, and last until Saturday, August 8. On firework night only, Queens Road will be closed from approximately 5pm until a period after the fireworks, as large numbers of spectators may gather on Prince’s Green to watch the display. It is possible that other minor restrictions may be put in place in Cowes during the week.
At East Cowes, The Esplanade will be closed at its junctions with Albany Road, Maresfield Road and Cambridge Road so spectators can gather safely for activities on The Esplanade.
View the Traffic Plan for Cowes (Queens Road/Egypt Esplanade) here
View the Traffic Plan for Cowes (High Street and The Parade) here
View the Traffic Plan for East Cowes here
On firework night, Southern Vectis will be running additional vehicles to the 1 and N1 timetable which is linked here: 1-timetable-20241226-e25979e0.pdf Visitors are also encouraged to make use of the Somerton Park and Ride service, which provides a convenient alternative to driving into Cowes town centre.
Additional parking is available at Northwood House throughout Cowes Week, including Friday night. More details are available here: https://northwoodhouse.org/event/cowes-week-event-parking/
However, with large crowds expected for the return of the fireworks display, visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport wherever possible, particularly on firework night. If they do decide to drive, motorists should allow extra time, or arrive early or depart later, as congestion in and out of the town is likely.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “It is fantastic to see the Cowes Week fireworks returning this year.
“The display has long been one of the highlights of the Island’s summer calendar and we expect it will attract large numbers of residents and visitors to Cowes.
“The traffic management arrangements have been developed with event organisers Cowes Week Limited and Island Roads to keep people safe, maintain access for local businesses and keep traffic moving through the town as efficiently as possible.
“Anyone planning to attend, particularly on fireworks night, is encouraged to plan ahead and use public transport wherever possible. Additional bus services will run and Somerton Park and Ride provides a convenient option for visitors travelling into Cowes.
“By using public transport or Park and Ride where possible, people can help reduce congestion and make travelling to and from the event easier for everyone.
“These arrangements are based on measures that have been used successfully during previous Cowes Week events and will help ensure residents, businesses and visitors can enjoy the week safely.”