Dunnn-dun. Dunnn-dun.

Dun-dun dun-dun dun-dun dun-dun……..

The 1975 cinematic smash hit ‘Jaws’ amazingly is 50 this year. The beautiful New England island of Martha’s Vineyard that doubled as Amity Island, is celebrating the anniversary with a year-long calendar of events. With plenty of memorabilia on show around the island. Islanders have gone all out to embrace the ‘Jaws’ theme for 2025 including cranberry sweet treats that look like severed limbs and a candle in blue and red with a sharks fin at the top called Cassie’s last swim. For those that know, Cassie was the first victim of the film. 

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The main event titled ‘Amity’ is between 22 – 29 June 2025 with appearances by cast members and an event called ‘Barks & Sharks’ a ‘Jaws’ inspired costume parade for dogs. 

Universal Studios have reinstated the Amity Island billboard from the film as well as the hanging shark, for photo opportunities, that had been retired years ago.

National Geographic is streaming ‘Jaws @ 50’ the definitive inside story with an introduction from Steven Spielberg himself.

There were three film sequels and the phenomena spawned films about giant squid and other sea monsters but there will only be one ‘Jaws’ and I don’t think there was anybody in the cinema that didn’t jump when the dismembered head of Ben Gardner floated silently from the shark damaged boat.

50 years on and more is understood about sharks and their populations are growing as the fear that the film instilled on the public is put to rest and documentary series such as Shark Week on Discovery are broadcast.  

Martha’s Vineyard is located south of Boston and is a two and half hour drive including the ferry but I would think that there might be delays in high season. The population of 23,000 residents is swelled in the summer when approximately 200,000 tourists pour onto the island.

Martha’s Vineyard ferry information with prices and how to book.

Martha’s Vineyard Official Website to search for live events and accommodation.