Isle of Wight Festival

Known for bringing some of the biggest acts anywhere to the UK, the Isle of Wight Festival has become a must for any music lover.  Offering a little something for everyone, the festival has included such acts as The Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, R.E.M., and the Foo Fighters.  Held every year at Seaclose Park on the Isle of Wight, this festival brings together music fans from around the world. 

Tickets to the Isle of Wight Festival are available online and range from £65 to £150.  Tickets can be purchased for either camping or non-camping and children under the age of six get in free.  When buying tickets, be sure that they are purchased from an organization which is affiliated with the festival and never buy tickets from an unofficial outlet or website.  Alternate housing is also available both on the island and off.  The Isle of Wight Tourism can offer suggestions on places to stay, but it is recommended that you book early as thousands of participants flock to the festival each year.  

If you would rather commune with nature while taking in the sounds of the festival, camping is also available at Strawberry Fields.  In addition to the main camping area, there is also a family area and quiet zone for those who want to enjoy a little bit more peace.  Showers and plenty of toilets are also located in both camping areas.  Food tents are located throughout the grounds offering a wide variety of fares.  No food can be brought in with the exception of that for medical reasons.  Prices are reasonable and ATMs are located throughout the site for additional funds.       

For those festival goers who either aren’t camping or staying on the island, the only way to get to the festival site is by ferry.  There are three companies offering passage and they include: Wightlink, Red Funnel, and Hovertravel.  Wightlink offers three different routes across the Solent.  These sailings take place every half hour over peak times.  Red Funnel offers 24 hour passage with ferries operating between Southampton and East Cowes.  Red Funnel also offers shuttle bus service on the island itself for festival goers.  Finally, Hovertravel offers foot passenger service to the event.  Boats depart from Southsea in Portsmouth every 15-30 minutes.  The hovercraft is then met by a shuttle bus taking you directly to the festival.  Back on the mainland, buses as well as trains will get you to areas to be taken across the Solent.  Check local listings for the best route that best fits your needs.  

For those festival goers who are staying on the isle, it is recommended that you don’t drive to the festival.  There are buses running constantly during the length of the festival and schedules are available online.  Even better yet, it is recommended that you walk if you are close enough or ride a bike.  Even if you don’t have a bike, you can hire one by the hour or for the whole weekend from the London Bicycle Tour Company.  Secure bike racks are also available at the festival site.