The former home of popular Isle of Wight attraction Waltzing Waters is being put to good use - by a samba band! 

Raw Samba, around 80 members strong, had been searching for a new rehearsal space and last summer had taken to practising on the beach due to having nowhere to call home.

But they have now found a suitable home for rehearsal in the old  Waltzing Waters site  at Westridge.

It is owned by the Isle of Wight Council and is right next door to the band's former rehearsal space - which got repurposed during Covid into a vaccination station.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The band took their plight to Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely, and the Isle of Wight Council, and several meetings later,  they have moved into their new home.

A spokesperson for the band said:  "It's such a great space and we are so grateful we have access to it.

"Now member numbers are near the 80 mark after another successful beginners' course, we really appreciate this huge space.

"We are enjoying getting ready for the 2024 season!"