As well as the racing, there’s plenty of entertainment on the shore at Cowes this week. There’s a buzz of activity around the Parade Village and Cowes Yacht Haven that will keep you entertained. With plenty of bars and barbeques you can relax and soak up the sounds of the local musical talents.

For those who wish to take a more active role in supporting the racers, you can sign up for the spectator boat to get out and watch the competition from the Parade Landing.

If you are new to the sailing experience you can also take up a free Skandia Try Sailing course which yachtingworld.com will be reporting on later in the week. Just head down to the marquee on Cowes Parade to book your place.

Get grooving down at the Parade Village with over ten artists playing throughout the week. From jazz, latin and soothing acoustic during the day to rocking cover bands at night. Comedy shows during the week will also be a raising laughs at the Parade Village.

On the water you can see the Volvo Extreme 40 catamarans in action on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They will be match racing at 18:00 each day, for the best view watch from Cowes Green. On Tuesday August 1 the Extreme 40s will set off at 10:00 to race round the island.

The buzzing Peppermint Pier was a hit last year at the popular Shepard’s Wharf and will be returning to Cowes week again with live results of the racing, an open air barbeque, and Inferno’s nightclub to boogey the nights away.

Here are just some of the events you can catch this week, but keep an eye on yachtingworld.com for daily updates:

Saturday 29 July

Parade Village
Kicking off the day with some Latin from Martinez at 12:00, you can spend the afternoon chilling out to solo acoustic musicians Jamie Griffin and Dave Priddle and the FBI cover band till 22:00.

Cowes Parade
See the round-the-world record breaker Dame Ellen MacArthur as she officially opens the new Trinity Landing – the new gateway entrance to Cowes at 18:00.

Northwood House
Shake a tail feather as you watchThe Blues Brothersat Cowes outdoor theatre. Starts at 19:00

Masonic Hall
Check out the book fair from 10:00 till 16:00

Sunday 30 July

Parade Village
Get into the groove with Castle Jazz band, followed by Caribbean soloist Derek Sandy, and then kick on into the evening with covers bands Driving South and Risky Business.

Monday 31 July

Cowes Yacht Haven
See Chas and Dave on the main stage!

Charity Day
The Ellen MacArthur Trust

Parade Village
With some easy listening music throughout the day you’ll be all set to do the jitter-bug to Joey & the Jivers. Also look out for The Half Naked Chef comedy show.

Trinity Theatre
From 13:00-14:00 there will be a strategy presentation to talk about the changes proposed for Skandia Cowes Week in the future. This is your chance to have your questions answered by Cowes Combined Clubs.

Cowes Parade
Stars of Sailing Regatta – see the Skandia Team GBR race against each other in dinghies provided by the UKSA. With commentary provided by Cowes Radio this is a spectacle not to be missed.

Tuesday 1 August

Parade Village
Jazz, rock and rockabilly bands will front the stage throughout the day and look out for comedy act, Bruce Airhead.

Cowes Green
The Farr 42’s Bear of Britain and Chernikeeff 2 match-race in tribute to Kit Hobday at 18:00.

Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
Skandia Cowes Week Ball for members and guests only

Wednesday 2 August

Cowes Yacht Haven
All Stars on the main stage

Parade Village
Do an Irish jig to the Tin Lids from 12:00-14:00. Followed by solo artist Dave Waite and cover band The FBI. Also, watch daring acrobatics by the Black Eagles

Trinity Theatre
From 18:00-19:00 there will be a strategy presentation about the changes to Skandia Cowes Week.

Cowes Green
As you watch the Extreme 40s slicing up the water, you can witness adventurer Bear Grylls and the Navy Raiders skydive from 5,000ft at 18:30, (hear the commentary on Cowes Radio).

Thursday 3 August

Ladies Day
Celebrating women in sailing – watch out for patrollers on the look out for the fanciest feet to win a pair of Timberland shoes.

Parade Village
Chale Wailers start off the day with soothing acoustic numbers, followed by Caribbean soloist Derek Sandy, and bands Sporting Life and Dirty Habit will rock it out into the night. Matt Barnard will also perform his spectacular juggling act.

Cowes Yacht Haven
Check out the latest sailing fashion at the Cowes Yachting Fashion Show, on the main stage at 16:00. And get a team together for the Timberland Tug-of-War at 17:00. Hayseed Dixie will entertain all on the main stage.

Trinity Theatre
From 13:00-14:00 there will be a strategy presentation about the changes to Skandia Cowes Week.

Masonic Hall
Get ready to bid for specialist maritime fine art silver and jewellery auction

Friday 4 August

Cowes Yacht Haven
Get ready to party at the End-of-Week Party, to the music of The Queens.

Parade Village
The week starts to simmer down with soft rock by Dawnwalk, Dave Priddle acoustic soloist and the rockin’ and poppin’ band Skybus. Magician Aaron Isted will also be working his magic.

Cowes Parade and Princes Green
See the jaw-dropping Aerobatic Display at 19:00.
Cowes Week Fireworks Display
The highlight of the week – make sure you get a good view of the spectacular fireworks. There will be parties at the yacht clubs or get on the Wightlink Fireworks Cruise to get a great view from the water. Starts at 21:30.

Saturday 5 August

Parade Village
Bands like The Sharks will rock into the evening, until the Overall Prize Giving at 20:00.

Northwood House
Illyria presents everyone’s favourite classic, Pride and Prejudice at the outdoor theatre.