The History of the Isle of Wight Festival...

Credit: Isle of Wight Festival 2025/On the Wight

The Isle of Wight Festival began with a series of Festivals between 1968 and 1970, widely acknowledged as Europe’s equivalent of Woodstock!

While many come for the emerging acts of the modern generation, thousands are drawn towards the memories the Festival reignites, with its emergence dating back over an astonishing 54-year period.

Whatever it is that attracts you to the Festival, here are some of our favourite artists and fun facts from years gone by:

The Isle of Wight Festival began with Festivals between 1968 and 1970, widely acknowledged as Europe’s equivalent of Woodstock.

In 1970, a lineup of over 5 days included (amongst others) Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors, Joni Mitchell, Supertramp, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Chicago, and Procol Harum and played to over 600,000 people.

Photo by Aleks M on Unsplash

There was no Isle of Wight Festival between 1970 and 2002, when John Giddings, an established music promoter, seized the opportunity to re-launch it.

John Giddings still curates every part of the Festival today.

Since 2002, the Isle of Wight Festival stages have hosted bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Muse, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Kasabian, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, Coldplay, The Sex Pistols, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, Blondie and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Credit: Flashbak/Jane Fonda

In addition, we have had the pleasure of stand-out solo performances with David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z and Amy Winehouse gracing the Main Stage.

The Isle of Wight itself enjoys a microclimate. Our location, just 2 hours from London door-to-door, yet across the water, provides a feeling of escapism that others struggle to achieve.

Real music is our heritage and one we’re constantly building on. Like life, music constantly evolves and changes, and so do we.

We’re a Festival for real music lovers of all ages, and that’s why this year you’ll find tickets for a variety of age groups, family-friendly areas, as well as a raft of accommodation options for the non-campers and VIP services for those who want to do a Festival, but not in the traditional way.

Your headliners for the Isle of Wight festival 2025!!

Friday night headliner — Sting…

Isle of Wight Festival crowds were treated to a breathtaking headline set by the legendary Sting on Friday night (June 20).

The ex-Police frontman started the show with Message In A Bottle, causing a frenzy as the sun set on Seaclose Park.

Credit: County Press/(Image: Paul Blackley)

Saturday night headliners — Stereophonics…

From mass sing-alongs to blistering drum solos, Stereophonics gave it their all at the Isle of Wight Festival 2025 as they closed the Main Stage on Saturday (June 21).

The Welsh rock band, performing at the festival for the first time since 2016, drew a sizeable crowd in Seaclose Park.

Stopping off at the festival as part of a huge stadium tour, the band opened with Vegas Two Times, before dropping Have A Nice Day to thousands of revellers.

Credit: The Stereophonics on Saturday’s Main Stage (Image: Sienna Anderson)

Sunday night headliner — Justin Timberlake…

Justin Timberlake made sure the Isle of Wight Festival 2025 crowd kept dancing as he closed the festival last night (Sunday, June 22).

The pop sensation performed a career-spanning headline set, supplying hits Can’t Stop The Feeling!, SexyBack and Mirrors in Seaclose Park.

“I’ve been trying to get to the Isle of Wight for years!” he proclaimed, addressing the thousands at the Main Stage.

Flanked by a host of backing dancers and a mobile band, Justin Timberlake utilised the stage’s walkway, delivering intricate dance routines to his music, released over three decades.

Credit: Isle of Wight Festival/Justin Timberlake headlines IOW festival 2025

Whatever way you do the festival, be safe and have a great time. We are already looking forward to 2026, can't wait - see you there!!

Credit: Isle of Wight Festival. Credit: Alex Cooper IWCP