Words by Alfie Dook
One weekend a year, an island is transformed. Taken over. Brought to a euphoric level. A weekend of sun, food, friends, excitement, nostalgia, and most importantly… music.
It’s the highlight of so many people’s years, and if it’s not in your calendar yet? A big mistake is being made.
The Isle of Wight Festival is truly incredible—something I’ve tried to put into words above—but regardless, it still doesn’t do it justice. Festivals are special, but one that takes over an island? Life-changing. 2025 is going to be no different for the Isle of Wight, with an incredible lineup of both talent and variety.
Headlined by Sting, Stereophonics, and Justin Timberlake, it’s an impressive start. But does it stop there? Not a chance. Example, Olly Murs, Jess Glynne, Clean Bandit, James, The Script, Paul Heaton, Faithless, Supergrass, and so many more immense artists—I could honestly keep going and continue to be amazed. Names both big and small bring that mix of both nostalgia and new excitement.
The weekend starts early, and in a big way, with Example, who’ll be kickstarting the weekend with Kickstarts, Changed the Way You Kiss Me, All Night, and more. The festival has outdone itself this year, as there truly isn’t a better start to take the energy of Seaclose Park to the max, setting the mood for the weekend.
Friday will undoubtedly set the bar for the summer festival season, as the Sting 3.0 World Tour stops off at the main stage. Sting, the legend himself, will be joined by guitarist and long-time friend Dominic Miller, as well as Mumford & Sons drummer Chris Maas, to perform a sensational set of both the hits and lesser-played tracks of his discography. Be ready for the likes of Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Fields of Gold, his latest single—I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart)—and much, much more.
Stereophonics return after their three-year hiatus to bless the iconic main stage on Saturday—a moment you won’t want to miss. Twelve immense studio albums, and eight (yes, eight) shot up through the charts all the way to number one, emphasising the sheer quality of the band. It doesn’t take the stats and accolades to impress, though—just a listen to a few minutes of their discography. Their hits include the likes of Dakota, Maybe Tomorrow, Have a Nice Day, and C’est La Vie, all inviting such a reminiscent and joyful feeling within. With tickets for their UK tour quickly selling out, the Isle of Wight Festival will be the best chance—and certainly the best atmosphere—to see the Welsh quartet doing what they do best.
Wrapping up the weekend is US pop icon Justin Timberlake, who really doesn’t need any introduction. With 30,600,000,000 streams in his 30 years of innovating the scene, it’s no surprise he’ll be completing the perfect conclusion to the weekend, performing his iconic tunes, including SexyBack, Mirrors, Rock Your Body, Can’t Stop the Feeling, and more. It’s safe to say any concerns of fleeting energy by Sunday night can be disregarded, as Timberlake is sure to get the crowd alive and singing.
With one month to go until this incredible festival, make sure to watch out for more from us at Backseat Maria in the Isle of Wight buildup—and we’ll see you in the fields!
Tickets are available but selling quickly at www.ticketmaster.co.uk, so don’t wait around!
