Isle of Wight Festival delivers unforgettable weekend as 2027 dates announced | Music | Entertainment

Baked in sunshine and sold out once again, this year’s Isle of Wight Festival proved that, 24 years after its revival, it’s still the place to be. Back on the map since 2002, the site carries huge musical history, having hosted everyone from Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell and The Who in its early days, to modern icons including Sting, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney and David Bowie. Today, it stands firmly as a cornerstone of the British music calendar; a festival that knows what it is and has perfected it.

A true mix of generations, from families to teenagers, it’s helped along by good food, easy navigation and a line-up that isn’t trying to be anything other than a great time – one that kicks into full swing as soon you step onto the site on Thursday. Early arrivals 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.

Across the weekend, for those stationing themselves in front of the main stage for the day with their camping chairs and blankets, it’s the timeless classics and familiar faces that are most welcome, and the vibes they bring are essential.

The line-up leaned heavily on acts like Two Door Cinema Club and The Kooks who can deliver the kind of crowd-pleasing sets that have make them reliable festival fixtures. But nostalgia-fuelled performances from Five and Anastacia were the perfect antidote to any fatigue, bringing big energy and joyful performances that reminded everyone of the power of a classic pop anthem.

Even Saturday’s opener KT Tunstall came ready to rock with sassy, fun energy. The mastermind behind The Devil Wears Prada’s iconic opening track ‘Suddenly I see’, she paused to share the cheeky story of being turned down for The Devil Wears Prada 2 soundtrack, before defiantly played the track for the crowd anyway.

Later that day, Rick Astley, known now for his covers as well as his smash hit ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, slipped a rendition of ‘Pretty Woman’ into his set. He admitted to the crowd he initially turned down a request to record a new version of the track for the film after reading the script. Speaking with the Express, he insisted he had no regrets about his decision. With the song so closely associated with Roy Orbison, who died around that time, Astley said it “would have been sacrilege” to attempt a different version

But, there was still room for fresher voices to make their mark. US singer Teddy Swims was a standout of the weekend. He captivated Friday’s audience with his sweet demeanour and unmistakable soulful voice, which carried beautifully across the field as the crowd sang back in the glow of the setting sun. The Last Dinner Party, too, delivered a bewitching, pitch-perfect theatrical performance, while over on the Big Top, Tom Grennan did plenty to convince festival-goers he’s ready for top billing.

However, the main stage is a daunting beast to conquer. While local islanders Wet Leg are undoubtedly brimming with talent, they struggled to fully command such a space, and even pop star Rita Ora found it hard to hold the attention of a huge festival crowd.

Beyond the main stage, the Big Top and River Stage offered a welcome alternative and a showcase for some of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. Across the weekend, 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, while introducing the crowd to tracks from their forthcoming un-recorded LP.

There were milestone moments too, including the gracious and glamorous Luvcat making her first-ever Isle of Wight appearance – a fitting full circle, as it was also the first festival she ever camped at. Across the weekend, these stages – and many more – were a testament to the never-ending musical talent being culivated in the UK.

Elsewhere, there was plenty to dip in and out of. The Last Chance Saloon offered a unique blend of line dancing and country takeover, while the Electro Love tent delivered a hit of nostalgia through a steady run of tribute acts and DJs. But overall the weekend belonged to the headliners, each leaving their own mark.

Friday saw Lewis Capaldi return for his second headline slot, having first topped the bill in 2022. Fresh from a hiatus and clearly revitalised, 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’s back on top form.

Calvin Harris stole the show on Saturday, tearing 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.

Finally, closing out the weekend on Sunday were undisputed 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 exactly why they continue to draw in generation after generation.

It was a career-spanning masterclass, featuring classics ‘Lullaby’ and ‘Friday I’m in Love’, alongside newer tracks from their 2024 album Songs of a Lost World. With a performance an hour longer than the other headliners, it was the kind of finale that let you sit back, relax and revel in the sheer scale of their talent – a fitting, unhurried send-off to a wonderful weekend.

Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival has announced it 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 08:00am – available at isleofwightfestival.com