St James’ Church, East Cowes, Isle of Wight

Jigsaw Puzzle Festival

Have you experienced this unique event?

It all started in 1995 when the Rector at the time, Rev. Stuart Cleaver, also a Jigsaw Puzzle enthusiast, came up with the idea to display his own private collection of Jigsaw Puzzles.   To make it more of a fundraising exercise, other made-up puzzles went on display and were available for sale.  Around 80 puzzles were sold – it was a success!

Due to the success of this first Festival it has been staged every year (apart from 2020) since and grown immensely, 2026 will be our 31st year! 

Over the years much improvement has been made in the general organisation and the displaying of the Jigsaw Puzzles.  The whole body of the Church is designated to displaying made-up completed jigsaws of all makes, shapes and sizes. These are made throughout the year by many willing folk across the Island!

Approximately 300 Jigsaw Puzzles can be displayed at any one time and as soon as a puzzle is sold another is put out to replace it.  This is just one reason why several visits are necessary during the Festival.

Even after all the problems during 2020 & 2021, we still sold over 1,200 puzzles at the 2023 festival, even though we did start to run out of completed puzzles to display by the middle of the week. So a big thankyou goes out to all those who helped and or visited the festival in 2023 and in the years since then.

There are puzzles for everyone – from collectors’ items to children’s puzzles; from traditional country scenes to the latest 3D, double-side, murder mystery, crossword and impossipuzzles, not forgetting the wasgij and mirrored image.  It has to be seen to be believed!

This year, make sure you are in the picture!

Our next Festival is due to be held on:

Date is yet to be confirmed

Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Entry charge: Adults £1.00 and children are free (then return as many times as you wish during the week absolutely FREE!)

There is an extensive range of refreshments available in the Church Hall for you to enjoy whilst your purchased puzzle is broken up.

For more information about the event, please contact:

Celia Jones            Tel: 07779 018693

Rose Mitchell        Tel: 01983 294075