Sky Presents the Isle of Wight Festival, returns to Seaclose Park in Newport over 18-21 June 2026. Now one of the UK’s most popular musical festivals, the original Isle of Wight Festival was held each year from 1968-1970, when crowds of up to 600,000 revellers would gather on the Island to see the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Doors and The Who.

Revived in 2002 by music boss John Giddings, the Isle of Wight Festival continues to thrive, and this year will welcome headliners Justin Timberlake, Sting, and Stereophonics, amongst a huge line up of acts over several stages!

Each year the Isle of Wight Festival sets a theme, and 2026 is yet to be announced! Generally you can expect to see flower crowns, glitter and fabulous costumes as festivalgoers get into the party spirit. If you don’t have anything handy, fear not, as you’ll find many stalls selling all manner of outlandish clothes and accessories, as well as retro and vintage gear. You’ll also find glitter artists and face painters ready and waiting to complete your festival ‘fit!

Foodies will love the mouth-watering mix of street food on offer, with independent vendors serving up everything from hog roast to Greek gyros, to churros and lots more. There’ll even be an on-site Co-op for last minute munchies or essentials at reasonable prices. 

Staying hydrated is important, and needn't be costly - take a water bottle and use refill stations around the festival site.

As with previous years, the festival will feature different areas, allowing you to easily navigate the site and build your own itinerary with all your favourite acts. The Isle of Wight Festival app is also very handy, and allows you to form your own timetable, so you don't need to miss a thing.

What should I bring to the Isle of Wight Festival 2026?

Festival Check List
Camping or not, we recommend all festivalgoers carry these essentials:

• 100% phone battery, and ideally a portable power bank for back-up
• Antibacterial hand gel – unfortunately, not all of the portaloos have handwashing facilities 
• Tissues – a bog roll from home also works
• Sunglasses –  don’t let sun glare spoil your view! 
• A bumbag –  oh-so handy
• Sun cream – self explanatory
• A water bottle – you can refill this for free at various taps around the site
• Comfy shoes – you’ll be on your feet a lot

Forgotten something?
We’ve got you covered! Pop into our shoreside or onboard retail outlets to pick up last-minute purchases including hats, shades, and sun cream, along with phone chargers, a selection of toiletries and medicines, and more.  

Places to Stay

The Isle of Wight Festival campsite usually opens on the Thursdayand will close again at 2:00pm on the Monday. Your camping ticket will include a standard size pitch for your tent, and it's best to get there early to get a good spot! You can also bring a motorhome if that's more your style!

If you’re more of a glamper than a camper, you might want to check out some of the fabulous accommodation Red Funnel Holidays have to offer, with hotels, holiday parks, and rental properties across the Island.  

If you’re visiting on foot, you’ll want to look for locations that are along the bus route. Premier Inn or Travelodge in Newport are convenient choices, while in Cowes you’ll find cosy rooms at hotels close to the high street, such as The Fountain Inn. There are also some spectacular apartments to rent, perfect for small groups and all within walking distance of West Cowes Red Jet terminal and the shuttlebus.

If you’re bringing your car and happy to stay further afield, a cosy cottage will provide a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the festival, while most holiday parks come complete with pools and on-site facilities to really make the most of your Island break!

Nearby shops

Opposite our East Cowes ferry terminal you’ll find a Waitrose and a Co-op for stocking up on supplies, while on Cowes High Street you’ll find a Sainsbury's Local, and a M&S Food conveniently located by the West Cowes shuttle bus stop.  

There are larger supermarkets in Newport such as ASDA, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's. Please note that glass is not permitted into the festival, so if you’re planning on bringing alcohol for your camp, you’ll want to opt for cans or cartons instead.

Places to get a good meal

From pre-festival fuel to a greasy spoon for the morning after, you’ll find plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat on the way to or from the festival. Our Southampton terminals will be offering Costa coffee, a selection of ‘grab and go’ food, drinks and snacks - and if you’re travelling on our vehicle ferry you’ll find a tasty selection of cooked breakfasts (until 11:30am), Phat Pasty Co. hot savouries, hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, cakes and more in our onboard ReFuel outlets.  

Those travelling on the Red Jet will find several pubs along Cowes High Street offering hearty dishes, along with local independent cafes and bakeries.  If you're heading to East Cowes, great spots include The Lifeboat and Artisan Cafe, while in Newport you can find Wetherspoons pub The Man in the Moon, Correo Lounge, McDonalds, and the only Burger King on the Island.