The Isle of Wight Festival 2025 has arrived, drawing thousands of music lovers and festival-goers to the picturesque Seaclose Park in Newport. Running from Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 22, this year’s event promises an electrifying mix of legendary headliners, emerging artists, and a rich festival atmosphere that has become a staple of the UK’s summer calendar.
Festival goers make their way to the island primarily via ferry, docking at one of the island’s ports before heading to the festival site. The campsite opened bright and early at 10 a.m. on Thursday, while car park gates welcomed arrivals from 6 a.m., allowing eager attendees to settle in and prepare for the weekend ahead. A festival spokesperson reminded visitors that “opening times are subject to health and safety inspections and we work hard to open gates on time, but please bear with us if there are any delays.” The campsite will officially close at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 23, giving campers a chance to pack up after the final day of music.
While the Main Stage action doesn’t kick off until Friday afternoon, festival-goers were treated to a vibrant Thursday lineup across other stages. Example and The Pigeon Detectives headlined the evening, with performances at the Big Top including The Smyths and Rhythm of the '90s, while the Cirque De La Quirk stage featured eclectic acts like Dr Concoct and Electric Pyramid. The Electric Ladyland stage was alive from midday to midnight, Penny Lane opened from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Strawberry Fields saw live acts from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday’s energy set the tone for what would be an unforgettable weekend.
The festival truly ramps up on Friday, June 20, with the Main Stage opening at 2 p.m. and a stellar lineup that includes Lottery Winners, Amy Macdonald, The Corrs, and Sting, who is set to headline the night. Faithless will close the evening with a late set. The Big Top and River Stage also offer a rich variety of performances, from Twin Atlantic and Clean Bandit to Tom Meighan. Cirque De La Quirk continues its quirky vibe with acts like Sock Wrestling and Madame Electrife. For those unable to attend in person, the festival has partnered with Sky TV, offering live streams and highlights on Sky Arts, Sky Mix (Freeview), and Sky Showcase (available through a NOW TV Entertainment package). UK viewers can tune in from 7 p.m. BST on Friday to catch the live action, with selected highlights also available on Sky TV’s YouTube channel. For international fans, VPN services like NordVPN provide a way to access the UK streams, ensuring no one misses out on the festival buzz.
Saturday, June 21, is packed with big names and diverse acts across the festival’s 12 stages. The Main Stage lineup includes Razorlight, Busted, Paul Heaton, The Script, and the much-anticipated headline performance from Stereophonics at 10:25 p.m. The Big Top features Pale Waves, Yard Act, and Supergrass, while the River Stage and Cirque De La Quirk keep the music flowing with a mix of established and emerging artists. The festival’s scale is impressive, with stages opening as early as 10 a.m. and running late into the night, offering something for every musical taste.
Sunday, June 22, closes out the festival with a roster that includes Bjorn Again, Ella Eyre, Alison Moyet, Olly Murs, Texas, Jess Glynne, and the weekend’s final headliner, Justin Timberlake, who takes the Main Stage at 9:15 p.m. The Big Top hosts acts like Midge Ure, Lightning Seeds, and James, while the River Stage and Cirque De La Quirk continue to showcase a variety of performances. The festival’s closing day promises a blend of nostalgia, contemporary hits, and vibrant energy to send attendees home on a high note.
This year’s Isle of Wight Festival is expected to draw over 50,000 music fans to the island, continuing its legacy as one of the UK’s most beloved music events. Originally launched in the late 1960s and revived in 2002, the festival has grown into a cultural institution, regularly featuring a mix of iconic headliners and fresh talent. The 2025 lineup is a testament to this tradition, balancing legendary acts like Sting, Stereophonics, and Justin Timberlake with a broad spectrum of genres and artists.
For those attending, the festival’s extensive schedule across multiple stages offers a rich tapestry of live music, from rock and pop to indie and alternative. The Electric Ladyland, Penny Lane, and Strawberry Fields stages provide additional spaces for discovery and late-night performances, ensuring the party continues well beyond the Main Stage hours.
Streaming options have expanded the festival’s reach, allowing fans across the UK and around the world to experience the excitement. Sky TV’s partnership means that viewers can watch many of the headline performances live or catch up on highlights at their convenience. For international audiences, VPN services like NordVPN offer a practical solution to bypass geographic restrictions, making the festival accessible no matter where fans are located.
As the Isle of Wight Festival 2025 unfolds, it promises to deliver the magic and communal spirit that have made it a highlight of the summer music calendar for decades. Whether on the island soaking up the atmosphere or watching from afar, the festival’s blend of iconic performances and vibrant energy ensures it will be a weekend to remember.
