On Air Now Nick Osborne 10:00am - 3:00pm Kelly Clarkson - Stronger Schedule

Play Date Announced To Celebrate Annual Opening Of Appley Tower

The annual opening of Appley Tower will be held in Ryde on July 2.

The day will include a guided tour led by the Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley, in the guise of Sir William Hutt — the founder of the tower.

It also includes the premiere of a play named "Where There's a Will There's a Way" specifically created to celebrate the occasion. courtesy of new theatre group the Appley Tower Players.

The tower folly was built in 1872, with the play set on a summer’s day in 1878.

Ryde Resident and director of the play, Rebecca Tremain, said:

“Appley Tower has a magical quality which plays on the imagination just as Shakespeare’s words play on our emotions.

"Working with Ryde and Island-wide actors and volunteers is such a joy. I hope this becomes an annual event to celebrate the history and heritage of the Tower and Ryde.”

The event has been a collaboration between Natural Enterprise, Ryde Town Council, Monkton Arts, and The Mustard Club.

Cllr Michael Lilley, Mayor of Ryde added:

“As the local Councillor for Ryde, Appley and Elmfield, I have always arranged for the tower to open in the summer, but the last time was 2019 due to the pandemic.

"I have always given a guided tour on the history of the tower and the people who used it, so am delighted to be asked to play Sir William Hutt.”

The event has been funded by Southern Water and Ryde Town Council.

More from Isle of Wight News