IW Festival - What's on and Where
With the IW Festival just a few days away it is now time to see what is on around the site. The line up is set for the main stage over the three days of Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June. Elsewhere on the site there is more exciting entertainment if you seek it out.
The‘Strawberry Fields’ area will open to campers this year on Thursday 7th June from 6pm – midnight and is filled with bars, discos, market and food stalls as well as funfair rides!
Strongbow Ciderhouse, Bacardi B-Live, the Pussy Parlure, Hipshaker, the Bandstand and the Kids Zone all return. The Babylon Bar is also back, but this time bigger and better.
Carling will be providing ice cold Carling throughout the festival weekend with 3 bars across the site and following its huge success last year, Carling’s Cold Beer Amnesty will return and will be located in the campsite village. Cold Beer Amnesty allows festival goers to swap any unopened can of warm beer for an ice-cold can of Carling.
BACARDI Rum is set to take the Isle of Wight Festival by storm once again with the BACARDI B-LIVE arena.
The Bacardi B-Live tent will be welcoming festival goers for the weekend with acts including Norman Jay, Unabombers, Ali B, Elektrons, Benji B, Phil Asher, Faze Action, Regal and more.
The Strongbow Cider House makes a welcome return to the Isle of Wight for its fifth year, bringing some big names such as Dub Pistols, Kissy Sell Out and Krafty Kuts.
Babylon Bar: returns bigger and better, with flavours of BIBA, the Velvet Underground and Art Nouveau. Ideal for cocktails or bottles of Champagne served in the Zebra Bar and Champagne Garden.
The Pussy Parlure made its Isle of Wight debut last year and is back once again for another Perfect Party Experience! Prepare to be surprised by an array of performers ranging from cabaret acts, sword eaters, daring magic trapeze and bingo karaoke. Come and join in the fun!
Famous names with Island connections will be in the Hipshaker Lounge. Returning to stage another spectacular long-weekend with its trademark vibes of the best in horizontal, laid-back sounds from the 60’s and the added touch of live acoustic sets over the weekend that include The Bees, Gweido, The Edana Minghella Jazz Ensemble and much, much more. Mix it all up with fabulous cocktails, ice cold beers, champagnes, freshly ground Italian coffee and fabulous food.
The Island’s own indie band The Bee’s Sound Selection will play sounds from Brazil to Jamaica via the US West Coast and Deep South.
New arrival, the Zebra Champagne Bar, will provide a hideaway where you can relax and enjoy cocktails galore!
The Isle of Wight festival organisers are proud to announce the return of 'The Bandstand' as part of their ongoing commitment in helping Platform One's support and develop young Island based musicians.The Bandstand was a new addition to last year’s festival and is run and programmed by Platform One, the Isle of Wight’s, not for profit, independent music college. This year The Bandstand will feature over forty acts over the duration of the weekend and will highlight the wealth of musical action on the Isle of Wight.The Bandstand will also be open on the Thursday evening for all of you camping – six bands will play from 6.00pm. If you want to study music seriously check out: www.platformone.org
The Kids Zone is a magical area filled with fun and entertainment to delight children and parents alike. Come and experience this relaxing and inspiring environment where everything is completely free of charge!
Watch giant bubbles fly through the air or listen to tales from the amazing Kids Zone Story-tellers! Join in with the Games & Races and ride on the people-powered Swingboats & Chairoplanes,
Kids can transform themselves in the Dress-Up tent and then get made up in the Make-Up Parlour! Or, if a more dramatic look is required, look no further than the Face-Painting Gazebo, where talented artists will once again be creating wonderful designs.
The Workshop Marquee will be running a varied programme of workshops throughout the day, so kids can learn new skills & take home at least one thing that they have made at the festival.
For little kids there is a Soft Play area & a shaded Sand-pit and for those kids that want to relax there are Kids Yoga Sessions & Bedtime Stories.
A Mother & Baby tent with cushions, mobiles, a baby- changing facility & simple toys is also onsite. The Kids Zone will be open 11am - 7pm on Saturday & Sunday.
FESTIVAL TICKET DEAL STRUCK FOR FAIRLEE ROAD RESIDENTS
Residents living in Fairlee Road in Newport who received complimentary tickets last year are set to benefit again from free entry to the Isle of Wight Festival, following an agreement reached between the Isle of Wight Council and festival promoters Solo. Under the agreement, the same households who were issued with complimentary tickets last year by Solo will get free tickets in a one off deal for this year's event. In subsequent years, all residents living along the road will be guaranteed the chance to buy tickets - ensuring they are given the opportunity to enjoy some of the top names in rock music. Those households that qualify for the complimentary tickets will receive a letter from the council with more details about how they can collect their tickets.
Channel 4 will be broadcasting highlights from the festival throughout the weekend, including shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
Tune in to Virgin Radio on, 1215AM nationwide, DAB digital radio nationwide and via the internet at www.virginradio.co.uk over the weekend to hear Ben Jones and Sarah Champion broadcasting exclusive backstage interviews, live music, extended interviews, video footage and backstage photography.