Isle of Wight Festival 2023 survival guide
All the essentials you need to pack before heading off to Seaclose Park
Last updated 13th Jun 2023
Absolute Radio has compiled a handy guide to the essential items you might need to survive the Barclaycard presents Isle of Wight Festival this year – especially if you’re spending the weekend under canvas.
The 21st edition of the revived Isle of Wight Festival takes place at Seaclose Park in Newport from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th June 2023.
Headlined by Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers and Robbie Williams, artists performing across the four days include Blondie, Manic Street Preachers, Echo & The Bunnymen, Courteeners, Groove Armada, Peter Hook & The Light, Sam Ryder, Scouting for Girls and many more.
Isle of Wight Festival 2023 survival guide:
The campsite:
A good-sized tent – It’s a fallacy that ‘two-man tents’ are big enough for two fully grown men or women with backpacks, drinks and other festival essentials. So unless you want to be chewing your tent mate’s elbows every night, buy a tent that’s plenty big enough.
Tent pegs and poles – Before you set off make sure you’ve got enough pegs to erect a nice taught abode for the weekend - the last thing you need is a pathetic sagging tent. Double check that you’ve got all your poles too.
Torch – Great if you need to find something at night in your tent, torches are also an essential for negotiating the matrix of intertwined tent guide ropes during night-time toilet runs. Pack one in case your phone battery is running low. Top tip: a head torch keeps your hands free whilst rummaging in your tent at night / visiting the loo / holding drinks!
Camping chair – Whether it’s thanks to rain or dew, the ground around your tent can often be moist so a chair to rest your weary legs is a must. Camping style chairs & inflatable seating are allowed on-site, but please be aware there will be a designated point in the Main Arena beyond which you will not be able to take such items. Look out for signage on site.
Air bed – Most people take simple foam camping mats but these do little to cushion that pointed rock you’ve expertly positioned your tent on. Take an air bed - your experience will be so much comfier.
Warm sleeping bag – Even during a heatwave, it can be chilly in your tent at night. Pack a nice warm sleeping bag to keep those chills at bay.
Travel towel - These microfibre marvels pack down super small in your bag, and also dry out much quicker than your standard bath towel. Just hang it up inside your tent porch when you leave the campsite and it'll be dry by the time you get back.
A trolley - Ever been lugging your own bodyweight in camping gear onto a festival site, hands being cut to ribbons by straps, sweating profusely, and seen a cheery person pass you as you take your 15th rest in 12 minutes? Be one of the cheery trolley people. Yes they can be expensive, and they're not exactly train-friendly but if you can, get one with big inflatable wheels (technically called a "garden trolley") to handle the inevitable mud and gravel. You can't put a price on arriving at a festival and not becoming an immediate sweaty wreck.
Keeping clean & healthy:
Toilet roll – Make sure you don’t leave your tent without at least a handful of toilet roll; you really don’t want to be caught short.
Hand sanitizer – For obvious reasons.
Wet wipes – Handy for a quick body scrub if you can’t be bothered queuing for the showers.
Dry shampoo – Unless you want to rock the ‘hair soaked in chip fat’ look for the entire weekend, treat your greasy mane to a dry shampoo.
Shower gel and shampoo - There are showers on site, which can be busy in the morning but relatively quiet throughout the rest of the day.
Bin bags - An essential item if you want to keep your living area habitable! Great for rubbish, empty beer cans, muddy clothes and they can also double as a ground sheet.
Travel mirror – Always very handy, for checking makeup / suncream applicaton / facepaint / errant toothpaste...
Sun lotion – Packing sun lotion may feel like you’re tempting fate but take some anyway - unless you want to look like a lobster all weekend.
Medication - Remember to take any prescription drugs with you that you need, and if you’re a hay fever sufferer pack some antihistamines.
Plasters – Invaluable for those sore feet from pounding many miles across the sacrosanct Seaclose Park turf.
Rehydration products - In case you overdo it, you might want to pack some rehydration products to help make you feel human again.
Clothing:
Wellies – Arguably the most important item of clothing to take to a festival. Pack even if sunshine is forecast, you never know!
Suitable clothing – Pack clothes to suit all weather conditions. Even if it’s baking hot during the day it can get icy cold at night so warm clothes are a must. Don’t forget to pack your favourite band T-shirts. Comfy walking shoes are also a great idea.
Sunglasses – Not just a fashion accessory, shades are crucial to avoid squinting all weekend while watching the plethora of incredible bands.
Fancy dress – Isle of Wight Festival guidance: We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted at Barclaycard presents the Isle of Wight Festival. We love seeing people dress up at the show, particularly on our fancy dress Saturday, and can’t wait to see what fabulous outfits have been lined up for this year.
As you plan, please be mindful of others and how they may feel about your choice of outfit. If we think any clothing is inappropriate or offensive then we will ask for it to be removed or changed and, if that is not possible or someone refuses, then we will ask that person to leave the festival.
While we want people to let their imaginations run wild, we will not allow:
- Anything racially or sexually inappropriate or offensive
- Anything that belittles or demeans others
- Costumes that mimic or celebrate people who have committed criminal acts
Waterproofs – Take a waterproof jacket. Even on sunny days, it might be an idea to carry an emergency ‘cag in a bag’ around with you in case there’s a sudden downpour. Plus, when the sun goes down, a waterproof jacket will act as a windcheater and keep the cool night breeze out.
Thick socks – Wellington boot chafage is one of the most common ailments at festivals. Circumnavigate this problem by wearing extra-long, extra-thick socks.
Decent sized bag – You don’t really want to be trekking back to the campsite more than you need to so take a small bag to hold any essentials. Bags must be A4 size or under (30cm height x 8cm depth x 21cm width) in order to enter the arena.
Hats – Another multi-purpose festival item, hats hide greasy, straggly hair, help your mates find you in the crowd and also provide a great sunshade. You might also want to invest into a trademark viking helmet too!
Umbrella – These are allowed on the camp site but not the main arena.
Eating & Drinking:
Food basics – Some snacks are vital to help you keep those all-important energy levels up. Cereal, biscuit bars and fruit are all great for a quick snack between meals. As always, there will be plenty of stalls at Isle of Wight Festival site serving a wide array of food.
Cool bags – Depending on how much grub you’re planning to take to a festival, cool bags will help keep your food fresher for longer. In a baking hot tent, however, cool bags don’t stay too cool for long.
Water – Whether you're drinking alcohol or not, it’s important to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day and night! Make sure you always have some water in your tent and regularly top up at water points throughout the weekend.
Reusable cups and cutlery – An oft overlooked item, these are always extremely useful if you’re having a cup of tea, alcoholic beverage or some food around the camping area with friends.
Other Isle of Wight Festival essentials:
Don't bring money – The 2023 event is cashless so don't bring cash. You can pay by card or with apps such as Apple Pay and Google Play.
Mobile phone charger - A portable mobile phone charger is an absolute godsend!
Isle of Wight Festival app– Download it (or update) now and enable notifications to be the first to know when we release the running times and our updated cartoon map! All the usual features like running times, interactive maps as well more detailed than ever food stall listings will be live soon.
What NOT to bring:
The following items are banned at Isle of Wight Festival: Glass, Candles, Gas canisters larger than 300g, Smoke canisters, Knives, Illegal substances, Legal Highs, Nitrous Oxide, Laser pens, Megaphones, Fireworks, Flares, Poles, banners and flags, Animals (other than registered guide or hearing dogs), any items which may be used as a weapon.
You can find out more information on the Isle of Wight Festival website
Isle of Wight Festival headliners through the years:
Isle of Wight Festival 1968 – Jefferson Airplane
The inaugural Isle of Wight Festival was a one-day event that took place on 31st August 1968. Held at Ford Farm, near Godshill, the counterculture event was attended by an estimated 10,000 people and headlined by Jefferson Airplane with Arthur Brown, The Move, Smile, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Plastic Penny, Fairport Convention and The Pretty Things also on the bill.
Isle of Wight Festival 1969
The view of the Main Stage at the second Isle of Wight Festival in 1969.
Isle of Wight Festival 1969 – The Who
Held in the town of Wooton, Isle of Wight Festival expanded into a three-day extravaganza in 1969 and was attended by an estimate 150,000 people. After a free concert for season ticket holders on the Friday, The Who appeared on a Saturday 30th August line-up that boasted Moody Blues, Joe Cocker, Pretty Things, King Crimson and many more.
Isle of Wight Festival 1969 – Bob Dylan & The Band
Having been off the radar following a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1966, Bob Dylan shunned Woodstock to instead make his live comeback at Isle of Wight Festival. Flanked by The Band, Dylan's comeback has been described as one of the shows of the decade and helped cement Isle of Wight Festival's status as a legendary event. Tickets were just £2 for Sunday tickets.
Isle of Wight Festival 1970 – Chicago
According to the Guinness World Records, between 600,000 and 700,000 people attended Isle of Wight Festival 1970 at Afton Down. The seminal event took place over five days from 26th to 31st August with acts including Kris Kristofferson, The Groundhogs and Supertramp playing the opening two days. Chicago were arguably the biggest act on the Friday with Procol Harum, Family, and Taste also playing.
Isle of Wight Festival 1970 – The Doors
The Saturday at Isle of Wight Festival 1970 is firmly entrenched in rock and roll folklore with acts including Joni Mitchell, The Who, Sly and the Family Stone, Miles Davies and Emerson, Lake & Palmer playing. The Doors famously played in near darkness due to Jim Morrison not wanting any spotlights on him and the set was immortalised in the 2018 album 'Live at The Isle of Wight Festival 1970'. Morrison sadly died 11 months after The Doors' performance and it was their final show outside of the US.
Isle of Wight Festival 1970 – Jimi Hendrix
The Sunday at Isle of Wight Festival 1970 boasted a truly phenomenal line-up of Free, The Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Richie Havens and many more. However, it was the legendary Jimi Hendrix who was the biggest name on the bill. Flanked by Mitch Mitchell on drums and Billy Cox on bass, Hendrix played in the early hours of 31st August.
Rock Island 2002 – The Charlatans
32 years on, Isle of Wight Festival was revived as a one-day event at Seaclose Park on 3rd June 2002. Named Rock Island 2002, The Charlatans headlined with Robert Plant, Starsailor, Ash, Hundred Reasons, The Coral and The Bees all playing. (© Getty)
Isle of Wight Festival 2003 – Paul Weller
The second revived Isle of Wight Festival ditched the Rock Island moniker and was a two-day event on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June 2003. The Modfather himself, Paul Weller, headlined the opening day bill with Starsailor, Iggy Pop, John Squire, The Cooper Temple Clause and The Thrills also heading to IOW. (© Getty)
Isle of Wight Festival 2003 – Bryan Adams
Canadian music icon Bryan Adams headlined a Sunday bill that also boasted Counting Crows, Hell is for Heroes, The Darkness and The Raveonettes. Weekend tickets were a bargain £50 and around 14,000 people attended. (© Getty)
Isle of Wight Festival 2004 – Stereophonics
Expanded into a three-day event, Welsh indie rock bastions Stereophonics were bestowed with the honour of headlining the opening night at Isle of Wight Festival 2004. Groove Armada, Super Furry Animals, 22-20's and The Duke Spirit also played the Friday. Nice hat, Kelly!
Isle of Wight Festival 2004 – The Who
34 years after their last appearance at Isle of Wight Festival, The Who made a heroic return to headline the Saturday at Isle of Wight Festival 2004. Manic Street Preachers, Jet and British Sea Powers were among the other performers.
Isle of Wight Festival 2004 – David Bowie
David Bowie's legendary headline slot on the Sunday night at Isle of Wight Festival 2004 ultimately proved to be his last ever UK show. Bowie played a career-spanning 20-song set that opened with 'Rebel Rebel' and came to an emphatic close with 'Ziggy Stardust'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2005 – Faithless
Attended by 50,000 people, Isle of Wight Festival 2005 opened with euphoria-inducing dance titans Faithless topping a Friday line-up that also featured Razorlight, Supergrass and Idlewild.
Isle of Wight Festival 2005 – Travis
Scottish indie chart-conquerors Travis headlined the Saturday at Isle of Wight Festival 2005. Other acts on the eclectic line-up were Roxy Music, Feeder, Goldie Lookin' Chain and Ray Davies.
Isle of Wight Festival 2005 – R.E.M.
Just like David Bowie the previous year, it was the mighty R.E.M. who stole the show at Isle of Wight Festival 2005 when they brought the event to an emphatic close on the Sunday night. Michael Stipe in particular was in energetic form and looked the part with his fetching blue facepaint. Other performers included Snow Patrol, Embrace, Starsailor and The Magic Numbers.
Isle of Wight Festival 2006 – The Prodigy
The fifth revived Isle of Wight Festival was headlined by The Prodigy on Friday 9th June. Placebo, Goldfrapp, The Rakes and Morning Runner also played the opening day.
Isle of Wight Festival 2006 – Foo Fighters
Keeping up the ante after the phenomenal Prodigy on the Friday, Foo Fighters played a storming set on the Saturday night. The line-up also featured Primal Scream, Editors and The Kooks.
Isle of Wight Festival 2006 – Coldplay
Touring their blockbuster 2005 album 'X&Y', Coldplay closed Isle of Wight Festival 2006 and memorably played Lou Reed's huge anthem 'Perfect Day' after Lou himself omitted it from his set earlier in the day. Richard Ashcroft, Maximo Park and Procol Harum also performed.
Isle of Wight Festival 2007 – Snow Patrol
Having played before R.E.M. two years earlier, Snow Patrol were rightfully promoted to headliners at Isle of Wight Festival 2007. Groove Armada were special guests with The Feeling and Echo and the Bunnymen also playing the Friday.
Isle of Wight Festival 2007 – Muse
Now a stadium conquering megaband, Teignmouth trio Muse made their first headline appearance at Isle of Wight Festival on the Saturday night. The excellent Saturday bill also featured Kasabian, Ash, Wolfmother and the late-great Amy Winehouse.
Isle of Wight Festival 2007 – The Rolling Stones
Rock n' roll heroes The Rolling Stones brought Isle of Wight Festival 2007 to a glorious close with a rapturously received set on the Sunday night. Tearing through seminal tracks including 'Brown Sugar', 'Jumpin Jack Flash' and 'Sympathy For The Devil', The Stones were joined by Paolo Nutini for a cover of Robert Johnson's 'Love in Vain' and the late-great Amy Winehouse for a version of The Temptations' 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2008 – Kaiser Chiefs
Leeds' prodigal sons Kaiser Chiefs headlined the Friday at the completely and utterly sold out Isle of Wight Festival 2008. The performance came a few months before they released their third album 'Off with Their Heads'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2008 – Sex Pistols
As part of their fleeting two-year reunion, punk legends the Sex Pistols headlined the Saturday at Isle of Wight Festival 2008. John Lydon infamously told the crowd when he took to the stage: "Tonight we will be singing songs from the book of Sod's law. Sing along or f***ing die." Delightful stuff.
Isle of Wight Festival 2008 – The Police
Alongside Saturday headliners the Sex Pistols, The Police also headlined Isle of Wight Festival while on a brief reunion tour. The English-American trio closed an indie-tastic Sunday bill featuring the likes of The Kooks, Starsailor, James and Feeder.
Isle of Wight Festival 2009 – The Prodigy
Having stormed Isle of Wight Festival three years earlier, Braintree rave-rock legends The Prodigy headlined for a second time in 2009, topping the bill on the Friday. Preceded by Basement Jaxx and Pendulum, the main stage was decidedly dance-tinged.
Isle of Wight Festival 2009 – Stereophonics
Preceding the release of their seventh album 'Keep Calm and Carry On', Welsh wonders Stereophonics headlined Isle of Wight Festival for a second time in 2009. Other acts that played on the Saturday included Razorlight, Maximo Park, Australian Pink Floyd and Ultravox.
Isle of Wight Festival 2009 – Neil Young
Bona fide rock legend Neil Young closed the 2009 event with a set that's gone down in Isle of Wight Festival folklore. The fabled set included classic tracks including 'Heart of Gold', 'Old Man' and 'Down by the River' plus a closing cover of The Beatles' 'A Day in the Life', which saw Young tear the strings from his guitar in homage to Jimi Hendrix.
Isle of Wight Festival 2010 – Jay-Z
In 2010, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop star to headline Isle of Wight Festival since its inception over four decades earlier. Featuring hits like '99 Problems', 'Empire State Of Mind' and 'Hard Knock Life', the Friday night set peaked when Kanye West made a surprise appearance and shared rapping duties on 'Run This Town'. Florence & The Machine and Doves also played that day.
Isle of Wight Festival 2010 – The Strokes
Taking to the stage after Blondie, New York City indie-rock icons The Strokes made their debut headline appearance at Isle of Wight Festival on Saturday 12th June 2010. Kicking off with 'New York City Cops', Julian Casablancas and the boys played a phenomenal set that was peppered with classics from their first three studio albums.
Isle of Wight Festival 2010 – Paul McCartney
Macca played a career-spanning 29 song set at Seaclose Park in 2010. Wings track 'Let Me Roll It' featured a snippet of 'Foxy Lady' in homage to Jimi Hendrix's fabled 1970 performance, and the set culminated with arguably the best encore ever – The Beatles classics 'Day Tripper', 'Get Back', 'Yesterday', 'Helter Skelter', 'Sgt. Pepper' and 'The End'. Wow.
Isle of Wight Festival 2011 – Kings of Leon
The Followills' debut headline performance at Isle of Wight Festival was part of their European tour in support of their fifth studio album 'Come Around Sundown'. A perfect mix of stadia-ready anthems and abrasive garage rock tunes from their early years, Kings of Leon absolutely nailed it. Kaiser Chiefs, The Courteeners and Band of Horses also appeared on the bill. (© PA Images)
Isle of Wight Festival 2011 – Foo Fighters
Having triumphed in 2006, the mighty Foo Fighters were invited back to headline Isle of Wight Festival for a second time in 2011. Proving why they're one of the finest live bands on the planet, Dave Grohl and co. never stepped off the gas for a moment throughout their barnstorming 17-song set.
Isle of Wight Festival 2011- Kasabian
Leicester's most famous export since Gary Lineker and a certain brand of crisps, Kasabian, closed Isle of Wight Festival 2011 with a faultless performance. Opening with 'Club Foot', the band dispatched all their bangers and even covered the Donna Summer classic 'I Feel Love' before emphatic closer 'Fire'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2012 – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
IOW Festival head honcho John Giddings dubbed the 2012 event the 'American Trilogy' as it was headlined by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers kicked things off in fine style on the Friday night in what was their first ever UK festival appearance. Sadly, it also proved to be their penultimate UK show ever as Tom Petty sadly passed away five years later in October 2017.
Isle of Wight Festival 2012 – Pearl Jam
Taking place during the wettest UK summer in a century, Isle of Wight Festival 2012 descended into a mud bath when a month's worth of rainfall fell in just one night. It was somewhat apt then that Pearl Jam covered The Beatles' 'Rain' five songs into their glorious set in a nod to the adverse weather. Eddie Vedder and co. also played Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros' 'Arms Aloft' in homage to the late-great Joe Strummer.
Isle of Wight Festival 2012 – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Truly one of the greatest live acts on the planet, The Boss and co. brought a very soggy Isle of Wight Festival 2012 to a triumphant close with a career-spanning 25-song set. Making the performance extra-special, 'Born In The USA' had its first live outing in the UK since 1996. Magical stuff.
Isle of Wight Festival 2013 – The Stone Roses
Having reformed for their homecoming Manchester Heaton Park gigs in the summer of 2012, The Stone Roses headlined Isle of Wight Festival on Friday 14th June 2013. The 90-minute, 15-song set was all killer and no filler and opened with 'I Wanna Be Adored' and closed with 'I Am The Resurrection'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2013 – The Killers
From the opening number 'Mr Brightside', The Killers never waned in magnificence throughout their Saturday night headline slot at Isle of Wight Festival 2013. The set included their trademark cover of Joy Division's 'Shadowplay' plus a version of 'I Think We're Alone Now' (made famous by Tiffany) and The Killers' only ever cover of The Beatles' 'When I'm Sixty-Four'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2013 – Bon Jovi
Arriving on site by helicopter like the true rock stars they are, Bon Jovi brought a sun-kissed Isle of Wight Festival 2013 to a spectacular close. The rip-roaring set featured a cover of John Fogerty's 'Rockin' All Over the World' and culminated with 'Livin' on a Prayer'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2014 – Biffy Clyro
Scottish rock titans Biffy Clyro headlined the Friday at Isle of Wight Festival 2014. Singer Simon Neil said following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam was a "huge honour", and typically Biffy didn't disappoint with their monumental performance.
Isle of Wight Festival 2014 - Red Hot Chili Peppers
When he booked them, Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings said Red Hot Chili Peppers "will be a highlight in the music history of the festival." He wasn't wrong. In fact, the only disappointment was that the set wasn't longer.
Isle of Wight Festival 2014 – Kings of Leon
Three years on from their last IOW triumph, the Followills returned to the hallowed turf of Seaclose Park to bring the weekend to an emphatic close. Kings of Leon appeared on a Sunday bill that also featured Suede, Travis and The Horrors.
Isle of Wight Festival 2015 – The Prodigy
Testament to their prowess in the live arena, dance-rock torchbearers The Prodigy headlined Isle of Wight for a third time in 2015. Having recently released their barnstorming sixth album 'The Day Is My Enemy', Keith Flint, Maxim and Liam Howlett served up a scintillating onslaught on the senses on the Friday night.
Isle of Wight Festival 2015 – Blur
Touring their eighth studio album 'The Magic Whip' – their first record in 12 years – Britpop heroes Blur were charged with headlining the Saturday night at Isle of Wight Festival 2015. Phil Daniels guested on a euphoric 'Parklife' and the 20-song set came to a sublime close with an encore of 'Stereotypes', 'Girls & Boys' and a spine-tingling 'The Universal'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2015 – Fleetwood Mac
Widely tipped to headline Glastonbury 2015, Isle of Wight head honcho John Giddings pulled a major coup when he booked Fleetwood Mac to headline the Sunday night. Their debut appearance at Isle of Wight Festival featured the returning Christine McVie back in their ranks and a setlist peppered with classics, from the opening 'The Chain' through to the fireworks finale of 'Don't Stop'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2016 – Faithless & Stereophonics
Co-headliners Stereophonics were undoubtedly the biggest act on the Main Stage bill on the Friday at IOW 2016, however Faithless were charged with closing proceedings under the veil of darkness at Seaclose Park. The gargantuan rave up featured all the Faithless classics including 'Insomnia', 'God Is A DJ' and closing anthem of togetherness 'We Come 1'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2016 – The Who
12 years on from their last IOW headline slot and 47 years on from inaugural Isle of Wight performance, rock legends The Who topped the Saturday night. Truly defying their years, Roger Daltrey was as ever the consummate frontman as Pete Townshend served up the iconic riffs and windmills. Performing essentially a greatest hits set, there were zeniths aplenty including 'My Generation', 'Pinball Wizard' and 'Baba O'Riley'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2016 – Queen + Adam Lambert
Fronted by the phenomenally talented and charismatic Adam Lambert – a man Brian May has insisted Freddie Mercury would approve of "big time" - Queen made their Isle of Wight Festival 2016 and ended an incredible weekend on a euphoric high. In front of over 50,000 people, they tore through Queen's biggest anthems in style. A set that's burned into our memory forever.
Isle of Wight Festival 2017 – David Guetta & Run-DMC
The Friday night at Isle of Wight Festival 2019 boasted eclectic co-headliners David Guetta & Run-DMC. Playing their first UK show in 16 years, hip-hop pioneers Run-DMC were on stage first and played classics including 'It's Like That' and 'Walk This Way'. French EDM megastar David Guetta took to the stage when darkness hit and he was flanked by an awe-inspiring light show and pyrotechnics as he brought the rave to Seaclose Park.
Isle of Wight Festival 2017 – Arcade Fire
Canadian indie-rock collective Arcade Fire were on truly dazzling form when they headlined the Saturday night at IOW 2017. Opening with a euphoric mass singalong of 'Wake Up', the entire 18-song set never waned in awe-inspiring grandeur.
Isle of Wight Festival 2017 – Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart brought Isle of Wight Festival 2017 to a close with a career-spanning set. Dressed for the occasion in a sparkly gold jacket and leopard print shoes, the septuagenarian music icon played a rapturously received set that melded solo and Face tracks with a spattering of covers. The night and entire weekend came to an arms-in-the-air close with 'Sailing'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2018 – Kasabian
Seven years on from their last IOW headline appearance, Kasabian topped the Friday night bill in rip-roaring style at the 50th anniversary Isle of Wight Festival in 2018. Alongside their cavalcade of certified Kasabian bangers, the band worked a few signature covers into their set; Groove Armada's 'At The River' and Fatboy Slim's 'Praise You'.
Isle of Wight Festival 2018 – Depeche Mode & Liam Gallagher
As double headliners go, they don't get much bigger than Depeche Mode and Liam Gallagher on the Saturday night. Liam treated fans to a set dominated by Oasis classics including a rousing 'Whatever' and a sublime 'Wonderwall' alongside his own solo tracks, while Depeche Mode delivered an electro-rock masterclass that culminated with the timeless 'Enjoy The Silence'. What a way to celebrate Isle of Wight's 50th anniversary!
Isle of Wight Festival 2018 – The Killers
Headlining Isle of Wight Festival for a second time, The Killers brought the 50th anniversary extravaganza to a glorious and emphatic close with a truly phenomenal set. True, final track 'Mr Brightside' was undoubtedly the set zenith, but their cover of Dire Straits' 'Romeo and Juliet' was pretty remarkable too.
Isle of Wight Festival 2019 – Noel Gallagher
A year after his younger brother Liam co-headlined, Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds to the Seaclose Park bill on the Friday night of Isle of Wight Festival 2019. The first half the Noel's triumphant headline performance was dominated by sublime solo tracks but the set truly peaked when Noel launched into Oasis' 'Wonderwall', 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', 'Half the World Away' and 'Don't Look Back In Anger' before he closed with a cover of The Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love'. Stunning.
Isle of Wight Festival 2019 – George Ezra
On the back of a sensational past few years thanks to his triple Platinum second album 'Staying at Tamara's', George Ezra headlined Saturday night at Isle of Wight Festival 2019 in fine style thanks to his series of anthems including 'Shotgun', 'Budapest' and 'Blame It On Me'. However, it was dance god Fatboy Slim who was charged with bringing the Main Stage to a close with an epic rave-up.
Isle of Wight Festival 2019 – Biffy Clyro
Such was their sheer magnificence at IOW 2014, the mighty Biffy Clyro returned to Seaclose Park in 2019 to bring the weekend to pulsating close. Truly irresistible throughout, Simon, James and Ben served up a 23-song rock masterclass that proved a sensational climax to the weekend.
Isle of Wight Festival 2021 – Liam Gallagher
Isle of Wight Festival 2021 – Snow Patrol
Isle of Wight Festival 2021 - David Guetta
Isle of Wight Festival 2021 - Duran Duran
Isle of Wight Festival 2022 - Lewis Capaldi
Scottish singing sensation Lewis Capaldi topped the Friday night bill at Isle of Wight Festival 2022. After moving to September in 2021, the event returned to its traditional month of June.
Isle of Wight Festival 2022 - Kasabian
Now fronted by Serge Pizzorno following Tom Meighan's exit, the new incarnation of Kasabian played a storming set on the Saturday night.
Isle of Wight Festival 2022 - Pete Tong
Superstar DJ Pete Tong brought Saturday night to a spine-tingling close with an Ibiza Classics set.
Isle of Wight Festival 2022 - Muse
15 long years since their last headline fabled appearance at Seaclose Park, Teignmouth's prodigal sons Muse returned to Isle of Wight Festival 2022 to bring the weekend to a spectacular close.
Isle of Wight Festival 2023 line-up
Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers and Robbie Williams will headline Isle of Wight Festival 2023.