Isle Of Wight Festival 2025: Thursday Round-Up As Gates Open To Thousands Of Revellers

Gates officially opened at Sky presents the Isle of Wight Festival 2025 yesterday (Thursday).

The first wave of campers arrived yesterday to blue skies and sunshine to kickstart a four-day weekend of amazing live music and unforgettable experiences.

Opening the Big Top stage was The Smyths, bringing to life over 20 years of music from the iconic band The Smiths.

With plenty of singalong moments in the sunshine to the tunes of one of the UK’s most beloved bands, they made a perfect festival opener.

They were followed by Rhythm Of The 90s on the Big Top, the UK’s #1 live 90s dance anthems band who commanded the stage with their infectious energy and incredible musicianship for a nostalgia-filled set that had everyone dancing.

With festivalgoers suitably ready for the weekend of music, they descended back to the Big Top stage for The Pigeon Detectives, whose phenomenal live set featured songs from across their 20 year career and 6 albums that have made them a firm festival favourite.  

As the sun began to set on night 1 of the festival, Big Top headliner Example brought an electrifying, high energy set of hits from across his catalogue including ‘Change The Way You Kiss Me’, ‘Kickstarts’ and more. 

Across 4 days of music and entertainment, the festival site becomes home to over 55,000 people for a weekend that promises to once again deliver unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Follow festival news over the weekend on Twitter @IsleOfWightFest and on Instagram @isleofwightfest