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Summer of Festivals on the Isle of Wight

There can’t be many people who haven’t heard of the Isle of Wight Festival - it’s one of our leading musical festivals and the line up is always stellar. But it’s just one of many fabulous events taking place on this small-but-mighty island throughout the summer. We’ve picked a few of our favourites so you can make the most of this little diamond-shaped piece of the UK. Our Southland campsite is perfectly located for visiting the island, and with our Sail and Stay offer you're guaranteed the best price on your ferry and glamping stay.

Isle of Wight Walking Festival

10 - 18 May and 4 - 10 October

Over half of the island is denoted a National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Beauty) and with such a variety of landscapes and wildlife, there’s no better way to see the sights than on foot. During May and October you can join fellow walkers to explore more than 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths. Knowledgeable local leaders are ready to guide you on walks of all difficulty and distance, so whether you’re a speed walker or a slow ambler, you’ll find a route to suit. The Walking Festival is a free event and welcomes all ages and abilities.

Cowes Fringe

23 - 25 May 2025

The town is world-renowned for sailing but for the past two years it’s kicked off the summer season with the Cowes Fringe - a mix of theatre, music and comedy talent from all across the country. If music’s your thing, you can join renowned drag act Velma Celli, spend One Night With Marilyn, or Rocka out with this talented local band. Ode to Joyce is a one-woman tribute to the entertainer Joyce Grenfell - and for something completely different, join Helena Nicklin for the Ultimate Wine & Chocolate Pairing Session.

Isle of Wight Festival of Running

1 - 8 June 2025

The Isle of Wight provides a perfect home to all sorts of outdoors action, and running is a great way to see some of the spectacular sights. Everyone is welcome to join in with the Festival of Running, with routes suitable for all ages and abilities - including the Freshwater 5k for beginners, the Junior Fun Run and the famously tough Needles Half Marathon.

Isle of Wight Festival

19 - 22 June 2025

Seasoned festival goers will tell you that the Isle of Wight Festival marks the start of the UK summer season proper. Back in 1968 what became known as the ‘European Woodstock’ introduced festival fever to the UK. It ran for just three years, culminating in a 5-day extravaganza which saw the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Leonard Cohen play to over 600,000 people. It wasn’t until 2002 that music promoter John Giddings revived it, and festival-goers have since enjoyed a heady mix of up-and-coming young talent and heavyweight legends such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse. Around 55,000 visitors are expected to make the most of the 2025 line-up, which includes crowd-pleasers Olly Murs, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake.

Ventnor Fringe

18 - 27 July 2025

Head to the southernmost point of the island in July for the best new music, circus, comedy, cabaret and theatre. Enjoy a spot of Impromptu Shakespeare, investigate a true act of lawlessness with podcasters Drunk Women Solving Crime, or enjoy some Musicals Mayhem alongside Le Gateau Chocolat - with more than 150 shows on offer at the Ventnor Fringe, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Cowes Week

2 - 8 August 2025

You say Cowes, we think sailing - and Cowes Week is one of the oldest and most respected regattas in the world. The organisers say that, thanks to the unusual tidal conditions in the Solent, and the sheer variety of boats and courses, there’s never a dull moment at Cowes. Up to 5,000 sailors race on each of the seven days, and around 60,000 spectators are expected to come and enjoy the fun. Even if you don’t own a boat, it’s a great opportunity to meet people who do - and it may be the start of a beautiful crewing friendship.

The Wight Proms Festival

12 - 17 August 2025

Whatever your taste in music you’re sure to find something to enjoy at the Wight Proms. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Grade II listed Northwood House, this boutique open-air festival is a celebration of musical theatre, country, dance, drag and sport, amongst others. Every month you can also enjoy a concert on a Wednesday lunchtime or evening, together with a meal.

The Garlic Festival

16 - 17 August 2025

It claims to be the island’s largest summer show, and the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival definitely packs a pungent punch! Including live music, children’s activities and demonstrations from star chefs and athletic dogs, it’s two days worth of fun for all the family.

For more information on what’s going on on The Isle of Wight, head to the Visit Isle of Wight tourism website.

Sail and Stay

Our Sail and Stay combined deals offer the best value fares on a return ferry crossing and a stay in an authentic safari tent at our Southland campsite on the Isle of Wight, with 4 nights in a safari tent including ferry from £223*.

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Terms and conditions

*Price shown is the lowest return ferry crossing price for a car (up to 5m long) and up to 5 adults/children and the accommodation in a safari tent at our Southland campsite for 4 or 7 nights when booking both the ferry and accommodation with Experience Freedom. Other durations up to 21 nights are available. Does not include any optional extras such as dog-friendly accommodation supplements or towel hire.

Lowest price of £223 is valid for departures on 6, 13 and 20 October 2025 for a 4 night stay, the 7 night package is valid for departures between 3 - 10 October 2025.