**Festival-Goers Bask in Glorious Sunshine as Isle of Wight Festival Kicks Off**
Music fans heading to the Isle of Wight Festival this year are finding themselves treated to a rare delight, as radiant sunshine bathes Seaclose Park in Newport, setting the perfect stage for the start of the much-anticipated four-day event. The festival, headlined by internationally renowned acts including Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake, is off to a memorable start, with attendees expressing sheer disbelief at their good fortune with the weather.
Crowds have begun their pilgrimage to the island, forming eager queues for ferries crossing the Solent under clear blue skies. Spirits are running high, as festival-goers from all corners of the country share in a sense of celebration and relief at escaping the traditional British drizzle. Some, like Joe Goldstone from Fair Oak in Hampshire, met friends at the Portsmouth ferry terminal. “The draw for us is the vibrant mix — there are plenty of new acts, a brilliant variety in genres. The Stereophonics are a must-see for me,” he remarked enthusiastically.
For others, the sunshine itself has become a talking point before a single note has been played. Angie Christmas, who travelled alongside Joe, noted: “The weather couldn’t be more perfect if we’d wished for it.” Her companion, Gary Shepherd, admitted to being over-prepared for the elements: “We came with bin bags, ready for rain. Thankfully, it seems they’ll stay packed away this year!”
Preparation for the heat has become a priority for many, as attendees gear up for soaring temperatures. Paula Hales from Petersfield came equipped with hats, sun cream and portable fans. “We’re set for a scorcher. The sunshine is going to lift everyone’s mood and add that extra magic to each performance,” she said, reflecting the excitement shared among the crowds.
Birthday celebrations are also taking on an extra-special glow this weekend. Nastia, visiting from Oxford with her partner Jakub, declared: “We’re incredibly lucky — it’s amazing to be here for my 29th birthday with weather like this.” Jakub joined in her joy, comparing the warmth to the south of France and saying, “It’s just ideal, we couldn’t have asked for more.”
Others have tied the festival into personal milestones. Cheltenham’s Luke and Emma Beckley are using the event as the second part of Luke’s 50th birthday festivities. Having already enjoyed the grandeur of Ascot, Luke said, “My celebrations have gone from high society to festival fun.” Emma added, “It’s almost unbelievable how fortunate we are with the sun. We’ll seek out a bit of shade, but it’s only adding to the excitement.”
Beyond the weather, the festival enjoys a rich and storied legacy. John Giddings, the event’s long-standing organiser since its relaunch in 2002, reflected on the island’s connection to legendary figures, noting how icons such as Bob Dylan were drawn by its creative heritage. “With ties to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll, the Isle of Wight has long been a magnet for artists and writers. It’s always had a special energy, and that carries through to the festival atmosphere every year,” Giddings shared in a recent podcast interview.
Giddings also spoke about the selection process for bands, stressing the importance of live performance over social media metrics. “It all comes down to instinct. Some acts might have impressive sales figures, but it’s their on-stage presence that truly matters to festival audiences,” he explained.
With a host of other talent set to take the stage — including Faithless, The Script, Jess Glynne, Clean Bandit, Supergrass, Example, The Corrs, Busted, and Texas — the weekend promises an impressive musical lineup matched only by the weather. For thousands descending on the island, this year’s festival seems poised to deliver unforgettable memories beneath the sun.
As festivities get underway, music lovers and sunseekers alike are savouring every moment of this rare convergence of stellar performances and picture-perfect weather. With many expressing gratitude and excitement, there’s a sense that 2025’s Isle of Wight Festival may go down as one of the most joyous yet.