A bit of all Wight; HOW TO ENJOY THE ISLE'S ATTRACTIONS.

THE ever-popular Isle of Wight is pushing the boat out this year - and we're not just talking yachts here.

From April to October, some of the top bands and solo artists perform on the island- and there are loads of other activities. Here's a month-by- month rundown...

The Jazz Festival in Ventnor from April 7-9 features more than 40 main concerts and fringe gigs, with big names such as Claire "the Madonna of British Jazz" Martin and the legendary Humphrey Lyttelton. Call 01983 863151/856206 or visit www.jazzdivas.tv.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival from May 6-21 is a great way to get to know the island. Someone else has worked out the route and guides you around, pointing out local history, wildlife and culture. Visit www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.

The Wight Diamond Mountain Bike Festival from May 26-29 is in its tenth fantastic year. It has live music, a beer tent and barbecues - plus some of the best riding tracks around. Anyone can take part, even if it's just checking out the pubs and cafes in the Trail Ale Trail. Visit www.trailbreak.co.uk for entry details or call 0118 976 2491.

The Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival, named after competitors' traditional gaff rig, is on the water from June 2-4 Spectator entertainment includes a farmers' market. and participants travel from all over the country for the races on the Saturday. The town also boasts a tudor castle and unique shops. Visit www.yarmoutholdgaffersfestival.co.uk.

The JP Morgan Fleming Round the Island Yacht Race on June 3 is the world's largest single yacht competition of its type. More than 1,500 boats of all shapes and sizes compete in this anti-clockwise race around 60 miles of coastline. Visit www.roundtheisland.org.uk.

The Nokia Isle of Wight Festival from June 9-11 features REM, Faithless, Morrissey, Roxy Music and plenty more. Last year it attracted more than 35,000 fans. Visit www.isleofwightfestival.org.

Skandia Cowes Week, July 29- August 5, is the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world. and can accommodate 80,000 spectators. Don't miss the fireworks from a pontoon on August 4. Visit www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk.

The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival from August 19-20 celebrates the island's fame as a major garlic producer and exporter. The focus is the Garlic Marquee, where you can taste tempting garlic-flavoured products from mussels and other seafood to bread, beer and sausages. Visit www.garlic-festival.co.uk.

One of Europe's most prestigious powerboat festivals is from August 24-27 in Cowes. More than 70 shipcraft compete at up to 100mph. Visitwww.powerboatp1.com.

The hippy Bestival, from September 8-10, has a mix of bands and DJs from the sixties on. Local boys, The Bees, have played alongside Reggae legend Lee "Scratch" Perry, Fatboy Slim and Basement Jaxx in the past. And the venue, Robin Hill Country Park, is magical. Visit www.bestival.net.

The Little Britain Challenge Cup Regatta from September 14-17 is a construction industry regatta held in Cowes. Blending competitive racing with serious partying on land - and raising money for charity to boot - the 230-yacht event is now the largest industry event in Europe. Visit www.littlebritain.co.uk.

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival from September 16-24 offers a range of cycling challenges for all ages and abilities. Within an area of just 147 square miles, there are over 200 miles of cycle routes and 30 miles of Heritage Coastline to be explored. Visit www.sunseaandcycling.com.

The White Air Extreme Sports Festival, from October 26-29, is a dare-devil's delight. It features windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing along with the likes of mountain biking, BMX riding and skateboarding. The international event is based at the White Air village on the seafront at Yaverland, near Sandown, on the East coast. Visit www.wightlink.co.uk or www.whiteair.co.uk.

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SHORE THING: Freshwater Bay, and, inset, The Needles