June 20-23
The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the oldest and most legendary music events in the UK, with a rich history. The first festival was held in 1968 and attracted over 150,000 spectators from all over Europe. On stage, stars like Jefferson Airplane, Artie Shaw, John Halliman, and other rock icons of the era performed.
In 1970, the festival became the largest in history, gathering an incredible 600,000 people. Headliners included Jimi Hendrix, whose statue now stands in Dimbola near Freshwater Bay, The Who, Joni Mitchell, The Doors, Leonard Cohen, Supertramp, Procol Harum, and many other iconic performers. This event went down in history as the epicenter of rock culture during the hippie era.
However, the festival's success nearly destroyed it—the island was paralyzed by the influx of visitors. In 1970, the Isle of Wight Act was introduced, banning open-air events without official approval. The festival ceased to exist for many years.
After a 32-year hiatus, the festival was revived in 2002 by promoter John Giddings and has since been held annually at Seaclose Park. Its main feature is its multi-genre lineup, featuring everything from classic rock and pop music to folk, reggae, and electronic music. The legendary stage has seen performances by The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Who, Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, Kings Of Leon, Kasabian, Pearl Jam, The Sex Pistols, Blondie, Biffy Clyro, and many other global stars.
Isle of Wight Festival 2024 Program
In 2024, the Isle of Wight Festival will take place from June 20 to 23 in the picturesque Newport on the Isle of Wight. This year's headliners include the legendary Green Day, The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, and Keane.
But the festival is not just about music. In addition to dozens of stages, concert venues, and DJ sets, guests can enjoy food courts with exquisite cuisine, craft fairs, gaming zones, and much more. There is a special Kidzone for children, and Cirque du Quirk for those who enjoy eccentric entertainment. There's something for everyone!
The Isle of Wight's unique feature is the incredible combination of the festival atmosphere with the picturesque nature of the Isle of Wight. Walks on the beaches, sightseeing, and cycling routes are a great way to spend breaks between concerts.
How to Get to the Isle of Wight Festival
Getting to Newport, where the festival takes place, is quite easy. Direct trains and buses regularly run from London to the Isle of Wight (about 2 hours travel time). You can also drive and take a ferry from the southern English port cities: Southampton, Portsmouth, or Lymington. The ferry will take you directly to the island. There are also ferry connections from continental Europe via ports like Le Havre, Cherbourg, and others.
For pedestrians and those traveling by bus or train, the best option is to get off at Portsmouth Harbor and take the Wightlink fast ferry to Ryde—this takes only 20 minutes. In Ryde, you can transfer to local buses or trains that will take you directly to the festival site. Taxis are also available in Ryde and Yarmouth.
For those who want to combine the festival with a holiday and sightseeing, renting a car is the best option. The island has a well-developed network of campsites and hotels for all tastes.
Planning Your Trip to the Isle of Wight Festival
It is best to purchase tickets for the Isle of Wight Festival in advance—as the event date approaches, prices rise, and the most advantageous ticket categories sell out quickly. On the official website, you can not only buy entry tickets but also book a campsite on the festival grounds or a hotel outside. Day tickets and payment plans are also available.
The main advice for seasoned festival-goers is to be patient! The Isle of Wight is incredibly popular, so expect long waits: queues for ferries, at the entrance, for food, and even for restrooms. The best way to avoid spoiling your mood is to stock up on provisions, wear comfortable shoes, and keep a positive attitude.
The Isle of Wight Festival is not just a music event, but an entire universe of drive, freedom, and unrestrained rock and roll with a long history and impeccable reputation! Each year, it hosts the best artists from around the world, offers a sea of entertainment for all tastes, and provides an unparalleled atmosphere. Join in June 2024 and become part of the legend!