Posts Tagged ‘Isle of Wight Festival’

• Isle of Wight Festival – the festival Island

  Date: 2011.10.14 | Category: Bestival, Features, Ferries, Festivals, holidays, Isle of Wight Festival | Response: 0

  Often considered a quiet, family holiday location in the southern part of England, the Isle of Wight was put firmly on the map in the late 60’s with a series of music festivals that attracted some of the biggest names of the time including Bob Dylan.

  Running between 1968 and 1970 the Isle of Wight Festival attracted huge attendances, some of the biggest the UK had ever seen, with the 1970 Festival in particular estimated to have attracted 600,000 festival goers. Such was its success that the Government passed legislation to prevent future gatherings of over 5,000 on the Island without a permit/license!

  The Isle of Wight Festival disappeared from the calendar for decades but in 2002 it made a welcome return from a base at Seaclose Park recreation ground on the outskirts of Newport. The Charlatans and Robert Plant headlined the revived 2002 Festival and its success has seen the Festival take place every year since. In the last decade the Isle of Wight Festival has been graced by the biggest names in rock and pop including Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Jay Z, Paul McCartney, Stereophonics, Coldplay and so many more.

  In 2012, the Isle of Wight is filling the traditional Glastonbury weekend (which is taking a year off) of 22, 23 and 24th of June and although it is too early for acts to be confirmed it is sure to be a great array of stars in Olympic year. Even better news is that the organisers have confirmed that layout changes at Seaclose Park, Newport include more space for campers and improved views, better sound and more space in the main arena plus even more toilets.

  The Isle of Wight Festival is not the only one on the island, with one of the better known others being Bestival that has been running annually since 2004. The 2001 Bestival attracted acts including Pendulum, The Cure, Bjork and Primal Scream. And, of course for jazz fans, there is also the annual Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival.

  So if you are a music lover or just want to feel the Festival vibe this summer head for the Isle of Wight. Getting there is easy as Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries run regular crossings between Southampton and Cowes for passengers on foot, bike or car.