Music to suit practically every taste
10 November 2011 The Isle of Wight Festival is an annual event which began in 1968. From the very beginning the festival began to strike a chord with local businesses who saw the financial benefits of the festival, not least the owners of Isle of Wight accommodation. The musical world was also taken with the idea of an island festival and over the next three years the festival attracted the cream of the musical world with performances by Bob Dylan, The Who, The Doors, Chicago and in one of his last performances the late Jimi Hendrix. For those who don’t want a full festival experience and would rather enjoy the other visitor attractions as well as the Isle of Wight accommodation there are small musical events and smaller concerts throughout the year designed and planned to appeal to every musical taste and need.
Since first establishing itself as a tourist attraction in Victorian times, the Isle of Wight has taken great steps in providing everything a visitor could possibly desire; from family and themed attractions to a wealth of water based activities - not forgetting the huge choice of high class and quality Isle of Wight accommodation.
As times have changed, many peoples’ reasons for choosing the Isle of Wight as their getaway destination and in addition to the growing list of areas of natural beauty, animal and conservation attractions and stunning award winning beaches a huge growing number of tourists are flocking to the Isles’ musical events which have been planned to perfection with something for everyone. The wealth of Isle of Wight accommodation only further contributes to the attractions for young and old music fans alike.The Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival
The festival was shelved after 1970 and would remain that way until 2002 when it was revived for a one day event known as Rock Island and featured headlining performances by Robert Plant and The Charlatans
The Isle of Wight Festival has become a staple of the British Festival season ever since and has attracted world famous musical acts and artists from Paul McCartney to Kings of Leon and Pink to Jay-Z.
In sharp contrast is the annual Bestival which has been an annual event since 2004. Within this time it has established itself as one of the most prestigious and well organised events in the UK and won the highly esteemed Best Major Festival Award in 2010. Whilst the IOW Festival concentrates solely on the music the Bestival aims to be more diverse with a more playful side and various political causes being publicised. The music is more mainstream with a more pop and dance music feel.
The tourist industry benefits hugely not just from the festivals but the amount of advertising and promotion it helps them create with relatively little effort or outlay. Indeed, the Isle of Wight accommodation owners who might not actually reap the rewards of festival goers who would be more likely to camp during the festivities see huge rises in numbers from artists, technical crew and organisers.Other Interests
Shanklin Hotel Clarendon Road Shanklin Isle of Wight PO37 6DP
Tel: +44 (0)1983 862286 Fax: +44 (0)1983 865533 Email: info@shanklinhotel.co.uk