Big Red & The Cava Boys featuring Dick Taylor 17th April
2026-04-17 18:30 - 20:30 UTC
Jimi and Friends” (Part Two) to celebrate The Pretty Things and the spirit of the Isle of Wight Festivals at Dimbola
We are turning back the clock once again this spring with the return of Jimi and Friends (Part Two) – a special live music eventcelebrating The Pretty Things and the legendary atmosphere of the 1969 and 1970 Isle of Wight Festivals.
Following a sell-out show last November, the much-anticipated follow-up takes place on Friday 17th April promising another unforgettable evening of live music, nostalgia and festival spirit in one of the Island’s most iconic cultural venues.
Headlining the night are Big Red & The Cava Boys, joined by special guest Dick Taylor -founding member of The Pretty Things and former bassist with The Rolling Stones – along with Angelina Grimshaw and Jo Larcombe.
The evening will feature a two-part seated performance, beginning at 6.30pm (doors open at 6pm). The first half will showcase songs of The Pretty Things from 1963 to 1969, while the second half will celebrate music associated with the 1969 and 1970 Isle of Wight Festivals, featuring numbers made famous by artists including Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and more.
The event also serves as a pre-launch celebration for Dimbola’s forthcoming exhibition, “Jimi Hendrix at Afton, 1970”, which will open in our former bookshop space at the end of May.
Dr Brian Hinton, Executive Chairman says: “This promises to be a wonderful evening of outstanding live music, nostalgia and atmosphere. It’s a fitting way to celebrate Jimi Hendrix’s legacy and the Isle of Wight’s extraordinary musical heritage, while buildingexcitement for our forthcoming exhibition.”
Guests are warmly encouraged to embrace the spirit of the era and come dressed in their favourite 1960s and 70s festival-inspired fashion.
The gig will take place in our tearoom and the bar will be open to purchase drinks. (please note the coffee machine will not be in use)
Tickets are £15+ booking fee, available to purchase here or in person at our front desk.All proceeds will go towards the Jimi Hendrix Exhibition at Dimbola in May 2026, supporting the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust.
Also in May we will be commemorating the 20th anniversary installation of our Jimi statue at Dimbola. Commissioned by Festival boss John Giddings and installed in June 2006 by sculpturist John Swindells.

Springtime Special Poetry & Jazz Cafe
2026-04-23 16:00 - 18:00
Join us on Thursday 23rd April at 4pm for toe-tapping jazz by JC Jazz in the Tearoom,then enjoy some poetry & more music with Denise Bennett, Barry Smith & Linda Kelsall-Barnett in the Olympus Gallery at 5pm!
Why not treat yourself to some of our delicious cakesand scones available from the tearoom. (You may want to book a table)
Entry by suggested donation of £5 (booking advised)to support the museum’s workCharity No. 1026339 Julia Margaret Cameron Trust, please phone 01983 756814 to book tickets.
More info on the musicians and poets: JC and Kathy will be performing on guitar, violin and vocals a selection of romantic jazz and French café instrumentals with classic jazz songs. Denise Bennett is an admired Portsmouth based poet . Barry Smith is the author of two acclaimed collections, being nominated for the T.S. Eliot Prize. Linda Kelsall-Barnett is a classical/acoustic guitarist. Barry and Linda have performed together at arts festivals such as Chichester.

Annabel Moeller - Ukraine
2026-05-01 10:00 - 2026-10-31 16:00
During the latter part of 2024 Annabel joined Dr Bob Seely on several trips to Ukraine to take photographs for his book describing in detail the now 20 year campaign waged by Putin to bring Ukraine back under Russian control.
Together they met and interviewed the brave young men and women taking part in the country’s relentless war effort to prevent this from happening.
Though many were military personnel before the war, it was both fascinating and humbling to discover the varied professions that so many others had given up in order to defend the sovereignty of their country. Ordinary people living ordinary lives, now joined together to protect their very way of life.
Amongst those they met chefs, city councillors, film producers, website designers, teachers, lawyers, photographers, musicians, retired grandparents and so many more.
A small selection of this striking photographers on our display in our back corridor, behind our giftshop and is free to browse.
We plan to showcase a larger selection later in the year.
