The Isle of Wight Council is offering companies the chance to run the Parade Village at Cowes Week
THE CHANCE to run the Parade Village at the world famous Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is on offer.
The current three-year deal between the Isle of Wight Council and Cowes-based company Mainsail is due to come to an end after this year's event.
The village hosts bars, entertainment, food and retailers throughout Cowes Week and the council has said it is looking for a company or organisation with suitable experience to run the village from 2013, for three years.
A council spokesman said: "It is a key venue for members of the public to view activities afloat and to mingle with crews socialising after a day’s racing.
"The Parade Village is one of a number of shoreside venues providing entertainment, retail outlets and food and drink during the week-long regatta.
"The Parade is a unique venue because of its waterside location with views of the harbour and Solent beyond.
"It is a hub of activity surrounded by yacht clubs and is also one of the prime viewing points for the traditional firework display that takes place on the final Friday of the event, which attracts tens of thousands of people to watch the spectacle."
The council said Cowes Week was vital to the reputation and businesses of the whole Island.
"The council is keen to support this important event and making The Parade area available for shoreside activities is one of the ways in which it can contribute to the event’s success," said a spokesman.
Organisations interested in finding out more about the opportunity to deliver and manage activities and services on The Parade as part of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week from 2013, should email: ashley.curzon@iow.gov.uk