Sounds of the summer on the Isle of Wight

With the sound of this year’s Isle of Wight Festival fading on the summer breeze, it’s now time to set your sights on the rest of the year’s music calendar and the Isle of Wight is known for its music pedigree.

Easing you into the summer season is Rhythmtree. Said to be the Island’s most eclectic music festival taking place at Thorness Bay from 8–10 July. A fun, family-friendly event, the festival has a relaxed and inclusive vibe. Settle back and listen to music around the site from headliners; Turin Brakes, The Wailers and The Fatback Band as well as local favourites such as Angelina and Jukebox Jazz. Full of bright and vibrant stalls and a dedicated kid’s area, children will love exploring the various facilities including face painting and glitter. Whether you’re heading down for just a day or camping onsite over the weekend you’re guaranteed a chilled event set in beautiful surroundings.

Saunter south from 22–31 July for Ventnor Fringe. A rich and varied event that envelops the entire town in arts, culture and, of course, live music with pop-ups appearing all through the town. This multi-award-winning festival is now in its 12th edition and attracts over 8,000 people to the sunny shores of Ventnor. Fringe Fridays see London post-punk band Goat Girl perform a special one-off headline show. Need a good old belly laugh? Simon Brodkin’s set is ‘daft comedy’ at its best. There will also be live shows from Hotel Paradiso, The Good Times Show and some impromptu Shakespeare plus so much more still to be announced. Head into one of the local cafés, restaurants and pubs to refuel and experience all Ventnor has to offer.

Jack Up your summer at the Boutique Mini-Fest, a family-friendly celebration of music from the 60s through to the 90s over the weekend of 13–14 August at Hazelgrove Farm, just a stone’s throw from Ryde. Every member of the family will be singing along to hits performed by tribute acts to the legendary Sir Tom Jones, the late Meat Loaf, the queen of pop, Madonna and a mash-up of Go West, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran from Go Span Duran. Tuck in to tasty food from local sellers and producers and take in your beautiful countryside surroundings. A major tick in the festival box is that there are no typical ‘festi-loos’ as all tickets include access to ‘posh-loos’… yay!

For those with an ear for classical music, the hugely popular Wight Proms returns to Northwood House between 16–21 August. The event has grown since it first appeared in our calendars five years ago and now includes comedy sets and snippets from popular musicals. This year, the six-day spectacular finale ‘Last Wight at the Proms’ will feature vocal quartet G4, who you may remember from the very first season of X-Factor. 2022 sees two brand new shows, appealing to a much wider audience. The award-winning Horrible Histories live show will get little-ones learning by stealth while having a whale of a time. Fly those rainbow flags and choose love as the proms encompass Isle of Wight Pride on Wednesday 17 August. Sashay away to Cowes as drag sensations Ella Vaday, Chorizo May and Kitty Scott-Claus (from BBC Three RuPaul’s Drag Race) are here for a one night only special… get ready for comedy, chaos and lip syncing sensational shows.

Check our blog article for a list of our top festival tips and a summer playlist. Or for more events, visit our handy Wightlink Explorer tool.

• A version of this article first appeared in the Summer 2022 edition of Wightlife magazine.