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Beginners guide to Isle of Wight Festival

Calling all lovers of music, cider and…. Boats? That’s right, Isle of Wight Festival is back and don’t they want us to know it. Its story began over 45 years ago now, so whilst they it be seen as the grandparents of the festival family, it’s still a classic – like a cup of tea in the morning or a milky way in a box of celebrations.

Isle of Wight is a personal favourite of us here at Licklist towers as it’s almost as though you’re getting a sort of 2 for 1 package deal, with a festival AND a holiday. So, if you think about it, what’s not to love?

The weekend is all about celebrating music in its greatest form and that stage has been host to some of the most legendary names in music. Do The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Jay-Z ring any bells? So as we’ve already said, this place has a lot of history, and now, on the 9th-12th June 2016, it’s time for you to go along and make a little history of your own.

The Line-up

Proving once and for all they are a festival which cares about music fanatics of all ages, the headline acts for this year is like a Back to the Future film that has been set in 2016, as it’s celebrating the landmark of 40 years of punk. The Who, Stereophonics and Faithless will all be taking centre stage, along with Queen, who will be performing with their adopted family member, Adam Lambert.

But don’t despair kids as Jess Glynne, The Cribs, Sigma, Sunset Sons and the band that is making their first festival appearance since reforming will all be there… That’s right, Busted are back!

As you can see, Isle of Wight really do aim to please. So whether you’re an old time rocker in a 21-year-old’s body or you want to find some sort of family bonding activity which doesn’t just involve singing around the campfire, there’s a little something for everybody.

The main arena

The great thing about Isle of Wight is that they like to go above and beyond when it comes to entertainment. Not only is there a crazy line-up, but there’s enough stuff to do to fill your entire day AND night.

Like any seaside village, everyone there loves a good drink, so last year saw the addition of the Bulmers’ “colourena” – a place full of giant twister boards and paint bombs. There was also a Strongbow tower full of sofas and bars and a Jack Daniels DJ tent which felt like one big night out. Getting blasted by colour cannons and dancing around with people in weird looking fancy dress may not be for everyone, so they even included a champagne bar, probably for those who don’t really belong at a festival but were dragged along anyway or just went so they could tag themselves at the location on Facebook. And by the way, we’re just getting started on what’s there. So if that was what last year had to offer, who knows what the folks at IOW will come up with this time.

Another great thing about the fest is there are so many options when it comes to where to rest your heads. You can camp, bring a campervan or stay at some really pretty locations nearby. Or, if you’re that way inclined, you can even sign up to the VIP camping area, complete with hot tubs, luxury toilets and all. Camping spaces in Strawberry fields are limited, so get yourself on the website and reserve a space now! Whilst they do allow you to fire up a disposable bbq, there’s no megaphones or fireworks allowed. So if you were planning on your very own performance that weekend, sorry but you’re out of luck.

Travel and Tickets

Want to hear something cool? You can start at your bed in London and arrive on the doorstep of IOW’s main arena all in 2 hours. Yep, that’s all it takes. No matter where you’re coming from, all you’ve gotta do is get yourself to one of the mainland ferry ports at Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington or Southsea and spend 45 mins on one of those really big boats. Once you’ve stopped feeling seasick there will be shuttle buses to take you where you need to go, or if you fancy a bit of a road trip you can park your car at the festival site. When you can cross the sea for only £10-£15, why would you need anything else?

So, after hearing all we have to say, will you be joining us at Isle of Wight this year? It’s the UK’s first major festival in the summer calendar for every year and gives you an excuse to radiate some major hippie vibes. As demonstrated by their trippy posters, full of mermaids and mandalas, it’s a weekend that will look like no other, and all you have to do is pay £195 for the pleasure of being there. One last final bonus – if you’re a student, this price gets reduced to £175! So stick on your wellies now and we’ll see you there. 

 

By Emily Thursfield