26 For 26 — Isle Of Wight Talent To Look Out For In 2026
- Dominic Kureen
- 1 hour ago
- 9 min read
The fifth annual celebration of Island talent sees Isle of Wight Radio’s Dom Kureen highlight 26 people poised to make waves in 2026.
In no particular order, here’s a selection of Islanders set to shine this coming year…
Rahel Skeet — Photographer (Skeet Shots)
A dynamic, nature-driven photographer with an eye for intimate detail, Rahel Skeet has quickly emerged as one of the Island’s most exciting young creatives.
Her vivid, emotionally rich images have earned her a growing following and reputation for capturing the serenity and wildness of the Isle of Wight.
Rahel’s journey is all the more remarkable given the challenges she faces living with a degenerative form of muscular dystrophy.
Her determination to pursue both kindness and creativity — while preparing to begin a PhD in Sociology — has made her a powerful role model within the arts community.
Beyond her own work, Rahel gives back through volunteer photography at Mountbatten, bringing comfort, connection and compassion to families during difficult times.
Dr Niels Wagner — Chiropractor
After relocating from Denmark with his wife Lina, Dr Niels Wagner has firmly embraced Isle of Wight life — drawn to its sailing culture, outdoor spaces and creative spirit.
A chiropractor since 1988, Niels brings more than three decades of global experience, having trained at the world-renowned Palmer College in Iowa before teaching and practising extensively in California.
Now launching a new practice at The Heights in Sandown, Niels is combining chiropractic care with fitness and rehabilitation in what he sees as a “natural partnership.”
His approach blends classical chiropractic techniques with gentler methods for those who need them, offering support to patients of all ages.
He will also begin a part-time clinic at Mint Pilates in Yarmouth this month, along with offering home visits across West Wight.
Patrick Gooden — Viral Musician
A familiar, quirky and joy-sparked sight around Ventnor, Patrick Gooden has become something of a local legend thanks to his distinctive musical style and unexpected online fame.
Whether performing on the seafront, popping up at community events or sharing inventive videos on social media - including a viral 'Henry' music vid - Patrick brings an infectious sense of fun to everything he creates.
His unique blend of originality, warmth and whimsy makes him one of the Island’s most joyful creatives to watch in the coming year.
Sadie Barker — Award-Winning Teenage Angler
At just 13 years old, Bay School student Sadie Barker has made Island history by becoming the first-ever female winner of the Wightlink Award for Most Responsible Angler.
Chosen from a field of 35 young participants in this year’s Vectis Boating and Fishing Club’s Junior Fishing Frenzy, Sadie impressed judges not only with the size of her catch, but with the care, awareness and respect she showed for the environment around her.
Her recognition reflects a growing emphasis on sustainability within youth angling and highlights the important role young people can play in protecting our coastal waters.
With her calm focus and environmental values, she’s already proving herself a role model for other young anglers across the Isle of Wight.
Ellen Orchard — Founder of Self Love Club & Yoga Instructor
Ellen Orchard has quickly become one of the Island’s most inspiring wellness voices, championing self-worth, mental health awareness and community connection.
After overcoming her own challenges in her late teens and early twenties, Ellen founded the Self Love Club—creating a welcoming space for reflection, conversation, and personal growth.
Through workshops and supportive group sessions, she helps people build confidence, resilience and kindness toward themselves, encouraging them to step gently outside their comfort zones.
Alongside this, Ellen is a passionate yoga teacher, known for creating calming, compassionate spaces where people can reconnect with their bodies and minds.
Josh Harris — Entrepreneur & Growth Business Leader
Josh Harris, director of Wight Coaches Ltd, has quickly gained recognition for leading one of the Island’s fastest-growing businesses.
Winner of Growth Business of the Year at the 2025 Isle of Wight Radio Best in Business Awards, Josh has demonstrated remarkable skill in scaling operations while maintaining a focus on service quality and community engagement.
Since taking on the leadership role, Josh has expanded the company’s services, introduced innovative solutions, and created new employment opportunities for local residents.
Ebb Phillips — Emerging Musician & Creative Talent
Ebb Phillips is one of the Isle of Wight’s most exciting emerging music talents.
Supported through Wightlink’s sponsorship programme, Ebb has been making waves in the local music scene, performing at community events and festivals across the Island.
Ebb's dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences has earned recognition, while their work exemplifies how the Island is producing homegrown talent that is capable of making waves both locally and beyond.
Nick Percy — Olympic Athlete
An elite discus thrower, Nick represents the Isle of Wight on the international stage.
Supported by Wightlink, he is aiming for top performances at major competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Nick’s dedication to his sport, alongside his commitment to inspiring young athletes locally, has made him a standout figure in the Island’s sporting community.
Harrison Hendy — Young Cycling Talent
A rising star in the Island’s cycling scene, Harrison is competing in regional and national events, he has demonstrated speed, skill, and determination beyond his years.
Harrison’s achievements reflect both personal dedication and the support of local sports programmes.
He is a young athlete to watch in 2026 as he continues to push boundaries and represent the Isle of Wight with pride.
Luca Frankland — Young Artist Award Winner
Luca Frankland was the winner of the Brave Island Young Artist Award 2025 for his standout acrylic painting that captures moments of friendship and connection.
His work has been showcased alongside other young creatives, helping bring fresh energy to the Island’s thriving visual arts scene.
As a rising artist, Luca has already begun connecting with broader creative networks and audiences, demonstrating both talent and ambition beyond his years.
Dominika Baerova — Photographer, Videographer & Creative Voice
Dominika Baerova is one of the young talents featured in Isle of Wight Open Studios 2025, supported through the Brave Island initiative that nurtures 14–25‑year‑old creatives.
Her photography, which explores themes of belonging and harmony, reflects a thoughtful and evocative visual style that resonates with viewers.
Exhibiting her work publicly for the first time at Open Studios has offered Dominika a platform to grow her creative practice and connect with a wider audience across the Island.
Her YouTube videos are a triumph of artistic endeavour.
Rosie Fennell — Portrait Artist & Creative Trailblazer
Another standout from Isle of Wight Open Studios 2025, Rosie Fennell specialises in realist portraiture and conceptual figurative art.
Her work seeks to capture the essence of her subjects, blending traditional technique with contemporary expression.
Supported by Brave Island, Rosie has taken major steps in her artistic career by showcasing her pieces publicly and engaging with the Island’s vibrant creative community.
Gayle Craven — Hospitality Innovator
Managing Director of The Albion hotel, Gayle has quickly made her mark on the Island’s tourism scene.
Her leadership saw The Albion win Best Hotel at the 2025 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards, reflecting her commitment to quality service and guest experience.
Gayle’s vision and investment in hospitality have helped raise the profile of the Island as a tourism destination loved by locals and visitors alike.
Ffion Harrison – Inspirational Young Voice
Named Overall Winner at Isle of Wight Radio's Child of Wight Awards 2025, Ffion Harrison has captured hearts with her courage and positivity.
Despite facing serious health challenges, including two kidney transplants, Ffion’s resilience, humour and joy have made her a standout young role model on the Island.
Celebrated for her spirit as much as her achievements, she embodies strength and hope for many families across the community and is a powerful presence to watch in the year ahead.
Chloe Baker — Venue & Event Leader
Chloe Baker, Accommodation and Venue Manager at East Afton Farmhouse, steered her team to success as Silver winners at the 2025 Beautiful South Awards.
Her work focuses on creating memorable experiences for weddings and events, blending rural charm with professionalism.
Chloe’s leadership and creative touch are helping put Isle of Wight venues on the map for high‑end celebrations, making her a standout business figure for 2026.
Jacob Gough — Culinary Team Leader
Head Chef Jacob Gough and his team at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor continued their impressive run by securing Bronze for Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Beautiful South Awards.
Jacob’s culinary skill and dedication to quality have helped the venue earn a strong reputation among food lovers across the region.
With his creative menus and team focus, Jacob is a chef and hospitality leader to keep an eye on in 2026.
Lawrence Bates — Sanctuary CEO & Tourism Hero
Lawrence Bates, CEO of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, has been recognised for his leadership in regenerative tourism, with accolades at the 2025 Beautiful South Awards and the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards.
Under Lawrence’s guidance, the sanctuary has become a beloved attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and spotlighting animal welfare and conservation.
His continued dedication to sustainable tourism and community impact makes him a compelling Island figure going into 2026.
Steve Wells & Clare Farrelly — Luccombe Hotels Directors
Steve Wells and Clare Farrelly led Luccombe Manor and Luccombe Hall to success at the 2025 Beautiful South Awards, earning Gold and Bronze respectively in tourism categories.
Their work in boutique hospitality showcases how locally owned venues can compete and excel in regional tourism awards.
With their passion for hospitality and community, they’re business leaders worth watching in 2026.
Lottie Begg — Founder, Lemon Jelly Press
Lottie Begg is a poet, illustrator, and community publisher based on the Isle of Wight.
Her work is rooted in creativity, imagination, and a love of language, often celebrating the playful, tender, and thought-provoking ways words can shape how we see the world.
Lottie launched The Silly Sentence Club through Lemon Jelly Press — community creative writing sessions designed to build confidence and creativity in children.
Her efforts have brought playful learning and self‑expression to young Islanders, nurturing the next generation of writers.
Gordy (Planet Aware Collaborator) — Sustainability Entrepreneur
Gordy, partner to Age UK Isle of Wight’s Big Knit campaign, has turned handmade wooden snowies into charitable support, donating proceeds back to local charity work.
His creative blending of craft and community fundraising has helped exceed fundraising targets and foster local participation.
With an entrepreneurial spirit rooted in community impact, he’s someone to keep an eye on in 2026.
Billy Ransom — Rising Star in Isle of Wight Wrestling
Billy Ransom is one of the Isle of Wight’s most exciting up‑and‑coming professional wrestlers with Outcast Pro Wrestling, the Island’s own independent promotion and training school.
After beginning his wrestling training in the summer of 2023, Billy made his in‑ring debut in February 2024 in a major Island Warfare match, quickly establishing himself as a fierce and competitive presence.
Known for his high‑energy performances and signature move “Devil’s Calling,” Billy already makes waves in the local wrestling scene and is part of the popular group Arrow International.
Five Degrees North
Isle of Wight trio Five Degrees North continue to build serious momentum after being shortlisted for Best Alt Rock Act at this year’s Radio Wigwam Awards.
Since forming as teenagers, the band have grown into one of the most exciting grassroots acts to come out of the Island in recent years.
In 2025 they balanced university life in Brighton with writing, recording and gigging, while also winning the prestigious Wight Noize competition earlier in the year, which secured them a slot on the Main Stage at the Isle of Wight Festival.
Zac Lacey — World Champion Swimmer
Teenage swimmer Zac Lacey has already made waves as a multi-time British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships titleholder, retaining his 200m butterfly crown and representing the Island with pride at national competition.
His commitment to competitive swimming and his success on the big stage have made him an inspiring figure for young athletes and the disability sports community alike.
With goals set on future European and Global Games events, Zac is a sporting talent with both heart and momentum heading into 2026.
Emma Honey — Rising Star in Trading Standards Enforcement
Emma Honey has been gaining national recognition for her work tackling counterfeit goods as part of the Isle of Wight Trading Standards team.
In 2025 she was named a Rising Star by the Anti‑Counterfeiting Group — a rare accolade for someone still early in her career.
Her investigations have already led to seizures of fake clothing, jewellery, electronics and tobacco, helping protect both consumers and local businesses across the Island.
Honoured for her leadership, innovation and dedication, Emma also delivers training to police officers and chairs a regional apprentice network.
West Wight Dementia‑Friendly Choir — Community Champions
While not an individual, the West Wight Dementia‑Friendly Choir has become one of the Island’s most inspiring community voices.
This group of volunteers and participants was recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025 for their work supporting those with dementia and their carers.
The choir uses music, singing and friendship to promote wellbeing and inclusion, reaching beyond traditional care settings and inspiring further dementia‑friendly initiatives across the Isle of Wight.
Maitri Clare — Yoga & Wellbeing Facilitator
Maitri Clare has been nurturing wellbeing on the Isle of Wight through yoga, mindfulness and community‑focused movement practice.
Based in Wootton Bridge, she leads Yoga With Maitri, offering accessible sessions that blend traditional yogic principles with a welcoming, inclusive approach tailored to people of all ages and abilities.
Her classes take place in local woodland settings and community spaces, creating calm, supportive environments for physical and mental wellbeing.
Previous Editions
Congratulations to all of the talented people who have featured in our line-up for 2026.
Here's a reminder of the previous selections we've made: