The Isle of Wight Festival delivered an unforgettable weekend, blending classic acts with emerging talent, as organisers confirmed the event will return to Seaclose Park from 17–20 June 2027 for its 25th edition since the revival in 2002. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Thursday 25 June at 08:00 BST via isleofwightfestival.com.
Headliners Shine: Capaldi, Harris, and The Cure
Friday headliner Lewis Capaldi returned for his second headline slot, having first topped the bill in 2022. Fresh from a hiatus, Capaldi thanked fans for sticking by him and balanced his self-deprecating humour—joking his “mental is no longer broken”—with a glorious set that proved he is back on top form.
Saturday belonged to Calvin Harris, who tore through a relentless, hit-packed run of anthems. Shrouded in smoke and pyrotechnics as he stood atop the stage behind his decks, he delivered the perfect Saturday-night antidote, transforming the field into a full-scale party.
Closing the weekend on Sunday were rock legends The Cure, delivering a mammoth 26-song set as the sun set on the longest day of the year. Robert Smith and the band proved why they continue to draw generation after generation, performing classics like 'Lullaby' and 'Friday I’m in Love' alongside tracks from their 2024 album Songs of a Lost World. Their performance was an hour longer than the other headliners, offering a fitting, unhurried finale.
Main Stage Highlights: Nostalgia and New Voices
The line-up leaned heavily on tried-and-tested acts. Two Door Cinema Club and The Kooks delivered crowd-pleasing sets, while nostalgia-fuelled performances from Five and Anastacia brought big energy. Five brought the party to the main stage, and Anastacia delivered joyful pop anthems. Saturday’s opener KT Tunstall came ready to rock with sassy, fun energy, sharing the cheeky story of being turned down for The Devil Wears Prada 2 soundtrack before defiantly playing her iconic track 'Suddenly I See'.
Rick Astley, cutting a sharp figure in a white suit, slipped in a cover of 'Pretty Woman'. He admitted to the crowd he initially declined a request to record a new version for the film after reading the script. Speaking with the Express, he insisted he had no regrets, saying it “would have been sacrilege” to attempt a different version given the song’s association with Roy Orbison.
US singer Teddy Swims was a standout, captivating Friday’s audience with his sweet demeanour and unmistakable soulful voice, carrying beautifully across the field as the crowd sang back in the glow of the setting sun. The Last Dinner Party delivered a bewitching, pitch-perfect theatrical performance, while over on the Big Top, Tom Grennan convinced festival-goers he is ready for top billing.
However, the main stage proved daunting for some. Local islanders Wet Leg struggled to fully command the space, and even pop star Rita Ora found it hard to hold the attention of a huge festival crowd.
Beyond the Main Stage: Emerging Talent and Milestones
The Big Top and River Stage offered a welcome alternative, showcasing some of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. Acts including The Guest List, Chloe Qisha, and The Molotovs made their mark, with The Molotovs headlining the River Stage with tracks from their debut album Wasted on Youth and the unreleased “Down at the Cafe”. Milestone moments included Luvcat making her first-ever Isle of Wight appearance—a fitting full circle, as it was also the first festival she ever camped at.
Elsewhere, the Last Chance Saloon offered a unique blend of line dancing and country takeover, while the Electro Love tent delivered nostalgia through tribute acts and DJs.
A Weekend of Sunshine and Community
Baked in sunshine and sold out once again, the festival proved that, 24 years after its revival, it remains a cornerstone of the British music calendar. The site carries huge musical history, having hosted Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, and The Who in its early days, and modern icons including Sting, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney, and David Bowie. Today, it attracts a true mix of generations, from families to teenagers, helped by good food, easy navigation, and a line-up that delivers a great time.
Early arrivals on Thursday had the place buzzing, with crowds spilling out of the Big Top tent after unexpectedly entrancing DJ sets from Hot Dub Time Machine and Joel Corry, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival will return to Seaclose Park from 17–20 June 2027 for its 25th edition since returning in 2002. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Thursday 25 June at 08:00 BST, available at isleofwightfestival.com.
