As well as the world famous Isle of Wight Festival every June the Island plays host to a whole range of smaller family-friendly music festivals. These are some of our favourites.
Wolverton Folk and Blues Fair
This small one day festival started in 2011 and takes place at Wolverton Manor in Shorwell in the pretty West Wight. It’s a charity event featuring local singers and bands who entertain people in folding camping chairs with the backdrop of the manor house.
Besides the music, there are usually things like children’s activities, a real ale beer tent with its own acoustic stage, craft stalls, a tea tent and Morris dancing.
Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend
This event is a mix of paid and free events that usually takes place late May or early June, which is run as a jazz-promoting extravaganza, rather than a corporate money maker. The event brings the very best of the UK jazz scene to the Island for 4 days of top class music, using venues in and around Newport.
The event is popular with many jazz fans and visitors from the mainland, many of whom have commented upon the friendly and informal nature of the event, which is organised and run by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. In previous years the event has hosted Stacey Kent, the BBC Big Band, Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw and a host of top musicians, alongside the best of the Island’s own vibrant jazz scene.
The Wight Proms
The Wight Proms has slowly grown into one of the bigger summer festivals on the Isle of Wight. It’s held in the grounds of Northwood House in Cowes, which is a pleasant place to spend a summer evening. The festival spans over several days with each night offering a different event . You can either go for one night, or buy tickets for a few different nights.
The Proms has attracted some big names in recent years, including Lesley Garrett and Russell Watson. There’s also a kids’ show and a comedy night.
Ticket to Ryde
This event is a free, family-friendly music festival held in Ryde, Isle of Wight, during the Late May and August Bank Holidays. The festival features a mix of local Isle of Wight talent and well-established bands. Attendees can enjoy live music, hot food, real ales, and various stalls selling gifts and memorabilia. There are also plenty of activities for children, making it a perfect event for families. The festival supports local charities and traders, with this year’s charity being the Motor Neurone Disease Association Isle of Wight.
Jack Up The Summer Party
This event is a two-day, retro-themed boutique music festival held at Retro Staycations in Ryde in August. This family-friendly event features world-class tribute acts and original artists, celebrating hits from the 60s to the 90s. Special guests have included Nathan Moore of Brother Beyond and The Princes of Motown. Attendees can enjoy a vintage fairground, local food stalls, and a variety of entertainment.
Accommodation
These events are best enjoy by spending a few day in our accommodation in Ventnor. Choose from Bermuda House, Gill Cliff House, Beach View Apartment and High Street Suites 3.
